THE FLOATING OPERA Barth`s first novel, which he called a philosophical minstrel show and a nihilistic comedy, is the narrative of Todd Andrews, a lawyer in his mid-50s who recalls the day 17 years before when he decided to give in to his Weltschmerz and kill himself--and why he finally decided against it. THE END OF THE ROAD is the story of Jacob Horner, a grammar teacher at a state college, who is paralyzed by indecision, completely unable to act. He is taken in hand by the Black Doctor, who treats him at his Remobilization Farm with Mythotherapy --the changing of one`s essence. Horner returns to his job completely transformed and becomes involved in an adulterous relationship with the wife of a student. She becomes pregnant, and his nihilistic nature eventually results in his arranging an abortion for his lover, who dies during the procedure.