The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B. by J. P. Donleavy (Vintage 1969 Edition)

“The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B.” is a novel written by J. P. Donleavy, first published in 1968. The book tells the story of Balthazar B, a wealthy and eccentric young man living in London in the 1950s.

Balthazar is a social outsider, rejected by mainstream society due to his unconventional behavior and beliefs. He embraces a libertine lifestyle, indulging in drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex. However, he also possesses a certain charm and wit that endears him to those around him.

The novel is structured around a series of “beatitudes,” or aphorisms, that Balthazar creates as a kind of personal philosophy. These beatitudes reflect his cynical and irreverent worldview, and provide a commentary on the hypocrisies and injustices of society.

Despite his outward rebellion against society, Balthazar is ultimately unable to escape the constraints of his own privileged upbringing and the expectations of his class. The novel explores the tension between individual freedom and social conformity, and the difficulty of truly breaking free from the constraints of society.

Overall, “The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B.” is a darkly humorous and satirical novel that offers a critique of the social mores and conventions of mid-twentieth century England. The book’s irreverent style and unconventional protagonist have made it a cult classic and a notable work of postmodern literature.