The Phoenix and the Mirror

Against the backdrop of a hauntingly familiar yet alien otherworld, Avram Davidson casts the adventures of the poet and sorcerer known as Vergil Magus... Vergil fell under the spell of the Lady Cordelia, who forced him to make her a mirror that had never before reflected a human face - a virgin speculum of magical properties. It was an almost impossible task, but when it was finally finished, Virgil found himself in a struggle with the incredible powers of the demonic Phoenix... "An erudite and splendidly written novel, full of adventure and mythological lore." [Publishers Weekly]