Cabala Thornton Wilder

Wilder\'s first novel, originally published in 1926, explores the self consciously decadent world of Rome after World War I. Its protagonist - Samuele, an American student - is drawn into the declining period of the titular secret community, comprising decaying European royalty, eccentric expatriate Americans, and even a cardinal of the Roman Church. Wilder playfully presents these characters as the vestigial representatives of the ancient Roman gods and goddesses.