Best Selling Books by Charles Baudelaire

Baudelaire''s classic work is presented through a compilation of distinguished English translations, with the original text in the book''s second half.

The Flowers of Evil (Les Fleurs du Mal) may speak of the carnal, depraved, and decaying in human life and the city, but Charles Baudelaire''s poetry so infuses even the most grotesque with beauty and a kind of innocence that the reader is moved beyond the rubric of the sacred and profane, into sublimity. This new edition, which features the English translation by F.P. Sturm and W.J. Robertson, also includes artwork by Lester Banzuelo.

Baudelaire is one of the major innovators in French literature. His poetry is influenced by the French romantic poets of the earlier 19th century, although its attention to the formal features of verse connect it more closely to the work of the contemporary ''Parnassians''. As for theme and tone, in his works we see the rejection of the belief in the supremacy of nature and the fundamental goodness of man as typically espoused by the romantics and expressed by them in rhetorical, effusive and public voice in favor of a new urban sensibility, an awareness of individual moral complexity, an interest in vice (linked with decadence) and refined sensual and aesthetical pleasures, and the use of urban subject matter, such as the city, the crowd, individual passers-by, all expressed in highly ordered verse, sometimes through a cynical and ironic voice. Formally, the use of sound to create atmosphere, and of ''symbols'', (images which take on an expanded function within the poem), betray a move towards considering the poem as a self-referential object, an idea further developed by the Symbolists Verlaine and Mallarmé, who acknowledge Baudelaire as a pioneer in this regard.

Upon its original publication in 1857 Charles Baudelaire''s "Les Fleurs du Mal" or "The Flowers of Evil" was embroiled in controversy. Within a month of its publication the French authorities brought an action against the author and the book''s publisher claiming that the work was an insult to public decency. Eventually the French courts would acknowledge the literary merit of Baudelaire''s work but ordered that six poems in particular should be banned from subsequent publication. The notoriety caused by this scandal would ultimately work in the author''s favor causing the initial publication to sell out, thus prompting the publication of another edition. The second edition was published in 1861, it included an additional thirty-five poems, with the exclusion of the six poems censored by the French government. Finally in 1868 a third edition was published posthumously.

In the compelling anthology ''Charles Baudelaire, His Life,'' readers are invited to immerse themselves in a panoramic exploration of Baudelaire''s world. The collection deftly weaves a tapestry of literary styles ranging from prose to poetry, each piece dissecting the life, influence, and legacy of the iconic French poet. The overarching themes of existentialism, melancholy, and modernity are meticulously interspersed throughout the selection, offering diversity and depth. A standout prose discussion illuminates the transformative nature of Baudelaire''s artistry, showcasing the intrinsic connection between his existential musings and the broader Romantic context. This anthology boasts contributions from distinguished authors, such as Théophile Gautier and Charles Baudelaire himself, whose lives and works are entwined with 19th-century French literature''s most meaningful moments. Gautier''s vivid literary portraits complement Baudelaire''s introspective reflections, collectively enriching our understanding of their shared historical and cultural milieu. As voices of the Romantic and Symbolist movements, their combined contributions encapsulate a vivid portrayal of the tensions and harmonies that defined their era, bringing forth an intricate dialogue that bridges personal insight with broader literary evolution. ''Charles Baudelaire, His Life'' offers readers a unique opportunity to explore a multiplicity of perspectives unified by the luminary figure of Baudelaire. This collection is an essential compendium for those eager to engage in a rich narrative that traverses styles and themes, educates the literary palate, and underscores enduring dialogues within and beyond its pages. It invites scholars and enthusiasts alike to delve deeper into the myriad insights and profound reflections, challenging readers to rethink the intricate tapestry of this transformative epoch in literary history.

This new bilingual edition of Les Fleurs du Mal has been fully revised and edited to reflect recent scholarship. The poems that were added to the posthumous edition of 1868 have been allocated new positions within the collection, and the six censored pieces have been restored to the positions they occupied in the edition of 1857.The poems have been carefully assessed with regard to both rhyme and metre, and translated into English verse which preserves as closely as possible both the original versification and the intrinsic sense of each poem.

The Spleen of Paris contains Charles Baudelaire''s prose poems, and, after Les Fleurs du Mal, it is arguably one of his most important poetic works. The collection spans the entire panorama of life in mid-19th century Paris and beyond. From tales inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, to portraits of the poor both young and old, fickle courtesans and mistresses, tired and opportunistic carnival performers, far away tropical paradises, urban squalor and bourgeois hypocrisy; Baudelaire captures it all with his unique pessimistic, often humorous style, filled with irony and biting social criticism. Written and compiled over the last ten years of his life, The Spleen of Paris wasn''t published in its entirety until 1869, after Baudelaire''s death. This translation is based on that edition, and brings Baudelaire''s intense observation and poetic vision to life for modern audiences. Through his writing, we can relive the world of that bygone era, a Paris where something was always rotten beneath the fancy veneer, and also, lurking somewhere among the unforgiving backstreets where you''d least expect it, a sense of humanity.

Les Fleurs du mal (English: The Flowers of Evil) is a volume of French poetry by Charles Baudelaire. First published in 1857, it was important in the symbolist and modernist movements. The poems deal with themes relating to decadence and eroticism.This new Bilingual English - French edition provides the original text of Charles Baudelaire with a powerful translation by Cyril Scott.

At the time of its release in 1860, Baudelaire''s "Artificial Paradises" met with immediate praise. Beautifully wrought, this portrait of the effects of wine, opium, and hashish on the mind captures the dreamlike visions that the author experienced during his narcotic trances. **Lightning Print On Demand Title

Handsome edition includes great French poet''s controversial work, "Les Fleurs du Mal," plus prose poems from "Spleen of Paris," critical essays on art, music and literature, and personal letters.

A stunning new translation of a neglected masterpiece by one of history’s most celebrated writers. Ten years before Baudelaire published his masterpiece, The Flowers of Evil, the great poet penned the only prose fiction of his career: La Fanfarlo. The novella describes the torrid real-life affair the poet had with Jean Duval, a dancer whose beauty and sexuality Baudelaire came to obsess over. The outcome is a work of raw emotional power and a clear distillation of the Parisian’s poetic genius. As Baudelaire himself said, “Always be a poet, even in prose.” *** This is a Hybrid Book. Melville House HybridBooks combine print and digital media into an enhanced reading experience by including with each title additional curated material called Illuminations — maps, photographs, illustrations, and further writing about the author and the book. The Melville House Illuminations are free with the purchase of any title in the HybridBook series, no matter the format. Purchasers of the print version can obtain the Illuminations for a given title simply by scanning the QR code found in the back of each book, or by following the url also given in the back of the print book, then downloading the Illumination in whatever format works best for you. Purchasers of the digital version receive the appropriate Illuminations automatically as part of the ebook edition.

In ''The Poems and Prose Poems of Charles Baudelaire with an Introductory Preface by James Huneker,'' readers engage with the rich tapestry of Baudelaire''s oeuvre. This compilation showcases Baudelaire''s adept transition between structured verse and the liberated forms of prose poetry. His works, nestled amidst the period of literary modernism, are infused with the complexities of urban life and the dualities found within splendor and decay. The literary style marries haunting imagery and lyrical precision, characteristic of Baudelaire''s symbolist influence, and the volume''s scholarship is enhanced by Huneker''s critical preface, grounding the reader in the historical and aesthetic context of the poet''s work.nCharles Baudelaire stands among the venerated figures of 19th-century French literature. Known for his incisive critiques of contemporary Parisian society and his exploration of the ''modern'' within the human condition, Baudelaire''s writing stems from both personal turbulence and a vehement desire to break traditional poetic molds. This publication, meticulously curated by DigiCat Publishing, serves not only as a testament to Baudelaire''s literary significance but also reveals the driving factors behind his poetics - the relentless pursuit of beauty amidst the somber realities of life.nHuneker''s addition to Baudelaire''s timeless works invites readers—whether scholars, enthusiasts, or new acquaintances of the poet—to a profound literary experience. This edition, offering both print and digital formats, is apt for those seeking to immerse themselves in the delicacies of French symbolism and the early stirrings of modernist thought. It beckons the reader to acknowledge Baudelaire''s influence and to relish in the delicate craftsmanship of a poet who could eternally captivate the literary world with his vivid articulation of the human psyche and emotion.

Between 1855 and his death in 1867, Charles Baudelaire inaugurated a new—and in his own words "dangerous"—hybrid form in a series of prose poems known as Paris Spleen. Important and provocative, these fifty poems take the reader on a tour of 1850s Paris, through gleaming cafes and filthy side streets, revealing a metropolis on the eve of great change. In its deliberate fragmentation and merging of the lyrical with the sardonic, Le Spleen de Paris may be regarded as one of the earliest and most successful examples of a specifically urban writing, the textual equivalent of the city scenes of the Impressionists. In this compelling new translation, Keith Waldrop delivers the companion to his innovative translation of The Flowers of Evil. Here, Waldrop''s perfectly modulated mix releases the music, intensity, and dissonance in Baudelaire''s prose. The result is a powerful new re-imagining that is closer to Baudelaire''s own poetry than any previous English translation.

The Classic French text translated by Eric Gans.

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Upon its original publication in 1857 Charles Baudelaire''s "Les Fleurs du Mal" or "The Flowers of Evil" was embroiled in controversy. Within a month of its publication the French authorities brought an action against the author and the book''s publisher claiming that the work was an insult to public decency. Eventually the French courts would acknowledge the literary merit of Baudelaire''s work but ordered that six poems in particular should be banned from subsequent publication. The notoriety caused by this scandal would ultimately work in the author''s favor causing the initial publication to sell out, thus prompting the publication of another edition. The second edition was published in 1861, it included an additional thirty-five poems, with the exclusion of the six poems censored by the French government. In this volume we reproduce that 1861 edition along with the six censored poems in an English translation by William Aggeler. Rich with symbolism, "The Flowers of Evil" is rightly considered a classic of the modernist literary movement. Its themes of decadence and eroticism seek to exhibit Baudelaire''s criticism of the Parisian society of his time. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and includes an introduction by Frank Pearce Sturm.

In "Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil), Charles Baudelaire masterfully weaves intricate poetry that explores themes of beauty, decadence, and the duality of human experience. His innovative use of symbolism and synesthetic imagery captivates the reader, reflecting the tensions between the divine and the profane. Written during a period marked by rapid modernization in 19th-century France, Baudelaire''s work stands as a cornerstone of Symbolism, influencing countless poets and artists through its complex interplay of emotions and vivid portrayals of urban life, love, and existential despair. The collection''s notable sections, such as "Spleen and Ideal," delve into the poet''s struggle with ennui, framed in a rich, lyrical style that redefined poetic expression. Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) was a pioneering literary figure whose experiences in a rapidly changing Paris profoundly shaped his worldview. His exposure to the avant-garde art scene, coupled with his tumultuous personal life, fostered a profound introspection reflected in his works. The tension between beauty and decay in Baudelaire''s poetry often mirrors his own life struggles, particularly his battles with societal norms and personal despair, ultimately leading to a revolutionary poetic voice. "Les Fleurs du Mal" is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of modern poetry and its roots. Baudelaire''s ability to distill complex emotions into concise, striking verses invites readers to grapple with their own aesthetic experiences, making this collection a timeless exploration of the human condition. Immerse yourself in this rich tapestry of thought and feeling that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Previously untranslated essays of Baudelaire, now published for the first time.

Baudelaire composed the series of prose poems known as Paris Spleen between 1855 and his death in 1867. He attached great importance to his work in this then unusual form, asking, "Which one of us, in his moments of ambition, has not dreamed of the miracle of a poetic prose, musical, without rhythm and without rhyme, supple enough and rugged enough to adapt itself to the lyrical impulses of the soul, the undulations of reverie, the jibes of conscience?"

Fifteen poems by Charles Baudelaire in the original French, followed by an English translation.