#[nn]

Synopsis

A slaver brings an African's drum home as a trophy. When his son plays the drum, the father sets him to books. As others roister or labor the young man [Madman] becomes expert in many fields, finally taking a wife. Through his life, a mysterious piper appears. As Madman's son grows he agitates for communism. When authorities frame the young man Madman proves the lad's innocence, but the laughing judges have already hanged him. Madman's daughter becomes enamored of a young man who treats her vilely, leading to her death. Madman reclaims his drum and walks away with the piper.

Notes

Reprinted in

• Storyteller Without Words: The Wood Engravings of Lynd Ward #[nn]
• Lynd Ward[:] Gods' Man * Madman's Drum * Wild Pilgrimage #[nn]
• Mad Man's Drum: A Novel in Woodcuts #[nn]
• Madman's Drum: A Novel in Woodcuts #[nn]