Author
Guillaume Apollinaire
1880-1918
Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Guillaume Apollinaire
Calligrammes: Poèmes de la paix et de la guerre (1913-1916)
"Calligrammes: Poèmes de la paix et de la guerre (1913-1916)" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a poetry collection published in 1918. Written between 1912 and 1916, the collection spans the transition from peacetime to World War I, organized chronologically across six sections. The work is distinguished by its innovative calligrams—poems arranged typographically to create visual, figurative shapes. Apollinaire blends cubist-inspired simultaneous poems, conversation-poems, and trench writings, creating a unique fusion of visual art and verse that captures both war's reality and experimental artistry.
Les Peintres Cubistes: [Méditations Esthétiques]
"Les Peintres Cubistes: [Méditations Esthétiques]" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a book written between 1905 and 1912 and published in 1913. As the third major text on Cubism, it examines the movement's history, aesthetic principles, and development through essays and photographs of works by Picasso, Braque, Metzinger, and other pioneering artists. Apollinaire, a poet and self-taught art critic who witnessed Cubism's emergence firsthand, offers a highly original analysis of this revolutionary art form that sought to express universal beauty humanized by light.
Alcools
"Alcools" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a poetry collection published in 1913. Considered a manifesto of modern poetry upon its release, this work bridges Cubism and foreshadows Surrealism. The collection brings together poems composed between 1898 and 1912, drawing from Apollinaire's personal experiences—failed romances, travels through Germany, and time in prison. Most notably, Apollinaire eliminated all punctuation from the entire collection, letting rhythm and line breaks guide readers. This radical stylistic choice, combined with free verse and collage techniques, created a deliberately fragmented aesthetic that paralleled Cubist painting.
Le poète assassiné
"Le poète assassiné" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a collection of tales published in 1916. The stories explore recurring themes of personal memory, illegitimate birth, the poet's relationship with his mother, the myth of the dead yet eternal poet, failed love, and solitude. The title tale follows Croniamantal, a cursed poet who suffers betrayal and death, only to achieve apotheosis. Each story follows a similar structure: a being dies or disappears, then is reborn and reigns, allowing poetic recreation to repair real-life failure.
Le bestiaire: ou, Cortège d'Orphée
"Le bestiaire: ou, Cortège d'Orphée" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a collection of illustrated poetry written in the early 20th century. This unique work intricately blends verse with art, presenting various animals as symbols that explore themes of beauty, nature, and human emotions. The book reflects Apollinaire's innovative poetic style and represents a significant contribution to the literary movements of its time. In "Le bestiaire," each section introduces a different animal, accompanied by expressive poetry that reveals deeper philosophical and emotional undertones. The verses depict animals such as the tortoise, horse, lion, and dolphin, intertwining their characteristics with reflections on life, love, and existential inquiries. Apollinaire's work is rich with imagery and metaphor, inviting readers to contemplate the relationship between humanity and the animal world. The poems capture a range of sentiments, from joy and reverence to melancholy, while the illustrations by Raoul Dufy enhance the overall experience, creating a visual and literary celebration of the natural world.
The Poet Assassinated
"The Poet Assassinated" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a novel written in the early 20th century. It explores the life of the protagonist, Croniamantal, through a whimsical and satirical lens, reflecting Apollinaire's fascination with modernity, art, and the chaotic spirit of the times leading up to and following the Great War. The narrative promises to intertwine themes of love, creativity, and existential musings in a vividly crafted story. The opening of the novel presents a biographical notice highlighting Apollinaire’s life and artistic journey, while also introducing the character Croniamantal, who embodies the struggles and aspirations of a modern poet. It paints a picture of a vibrant literary landscape filled with eccentric personalities, set against the backdrop of rapid societal change. As the narrative unfolds, the reader witnesses Croniamantal’s engagement with the world, his romantic endeavors, and the artistic society that envelops him, all characterized by humor, irony, and a sense of rebellion against conventional norms. This initial portion entices readers with its rich prose and deep exploration of the artist’s experience, positioning it as both a reflection on Apollinaire’s own life and a critique of contemporary society.
Le flâneur des deux rives
"Le flâneur des deux rives" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a literary work that blends autobiographical elements and poetic musings, written in the early 20th century. The book reflects on the author's experiences and observations of the neighborhoods and people of Paris, specifically focusing on places like Auteuil and the Seine. Through vivid descriptions, the author captures the essence of the urban landscape and the emotions tied to it. The opening of this work introduces readers to Auteuil, a district of Paris filled with personal memories and reflections. Apollinaire recalls his past experiences in Auteuil, emphasizing the nostalgia and bittersweet feelings associated with places that have changed over time. As he traverses the streets, he evokes a sense of melancholic beauty, reminiscing about the past while observing the gradual transformation of the area. The style is deeply reflective, mixing personal sentiment with social commentary, as he introduces various characters and locations that have left an imprint on his life.
L'hérésiarque et Cie
"L'hérésiarque et Cie" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story seems to explore themes of religious dogma, identity, and existential musings through the lens of various characters, including a figure known as the Juif Errant (the Wandering Jew) and a modern heretic named Benedetto Orfei, whose unorthodox beliefs challenge established religious norms. The narrative juxtaposes historical and mythical elements with contemporary societal commentary, making for a rich tapestry of ideas and conflicts. At the start of the novel, the narrator recounts a visit to Prague where he encounters a mysterious old man who identifies himself as Isaac Laquedem, the Wandering Jew. This figure shares his centuries-long journey through various European cities, including tales of suffering and survival. The narrator's curiosity about Laquedem's identity sets the stage for a broader exploration of themes related to faith, tradition, and the quest for meaning. This encounter leads into discussions of heresy and personal convictions, particularly through the character of Benedetto Orfei, who has deviated from Catholic doctrine and is attempting to establish a new religious ideology. The opening establishes a blend of historical narrative with philosophical inquiry, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of belief and identity.
La femme assise
"La femme assise" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Elvire Goulot, whose experiences offer a glimpse into her complex relationships with various men and women, as well as her artistic pursuits. Set against a backdrop of early 20th-century European society, the novel explores themes of love, sexuality, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Elvire Goulot, a talented painter who has a profound admiration for horses, recalling her childhood in Maisons-Laffitte. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of her passionate and complicated entanglements with men, particularly a married doctor named Georges and the Grand Duke André Pétrovitch. Elvire’s journey takes her from her initial innocence through experiences filled with decadence and sophistication, revealing her evolving identity as she navigates relationships with varied individuals, including artists and socialites in a vibrant Parisian scene. The opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of Elvire's character amidst the complexities of love and desire.
Les trois Don Juan Don Juan Tenorio d'Espagne, Don Juan de Maraña des Flandres, Don Juan d'Angleterre
"Les trois Don Juan" by Guillaume Apollinaire is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the legendary figure of Don Juan, introducing multiple incarnations, including Don Juan Tenorio from Spain, Don Juan de Maraña from Flanders, and Don Juan from England. The narrative delves into themes of love, seduction, and the darker elements of desire, portraying how these different versions of Don Juan approach romance and the consequences of their actions. The opening of the story sets a dramatic tone by exploring the early life of Don Juan Tenorio, who is born into a noble family amidst a backdrop of astrological omens and family foreshadowing. His mother, Doña Clara, experiences a troubled pregnancy filled with ominous dreams, leading her to seek the counsel of an astrologer, Master Max Jacobi. The astrologer's predictions hint at a tumultuous future for Don Juan, leading to a humorous yet tense interaction filled with predictions of both greatness and moral peril. This opening frames a story rich in fantastical elements, intrigue, and the complex interplay between destiny and free will, drawing readers into the world of seduction and personal conflict that follows.