This is a charming story, written in 1926. It’s the tale of the free state of Dorimare, which banished its nobility and magic. It’s been a few centuries, and strange things are afoot. With magic gone, the leading citizens aren’t quite sure what to do, and hijinks ensue.
Dorimare is loving drawn, and the characters in this book, especially the leading men of Lud, who could have been just completely stuffy, end up showing some real heart. I can see why this gets cited as an inspiration by some of the currently well known fantasy authors.