Author
Charles Baudelaire
1821-1867
Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Charles Baudelaire
The Flowers of Evil
"The Flowers of Evil" by Charles Baudelaire is a volume of French poetry first published in 1857. This groundbreaking collection broke with tradition through suggestive imagery and unusual forms, exploring themes of decadence, eroticism, suffering, and death. Six poems were censored for immorality, and Baudelaire was prosecuted for insulting public decency. Despite—or perhaps because of—its controversy, the work became a cornerstone of the symbolist and modernist movements, profoundly influencing French poetry and earning recognition as a major literary achievement.
Les Fleurs du Mal
"Les Fleurs du Mal" by Charles Baudelaire is a volume of French poetry first published in 1857. This groundbreaking collection explores themes of decadence, eroticism, suffering, and death through unconventional imagery and forms. Six poems were censored upon release for immorality, sparking prosecution and controversy. The work broke with poetic tradition and became a cornerstone of symbolist and modernist movements. Now recognized as a major achievement in French literature, it profoundly influenced poets including Verlaine, Rimbaud, and Mallarmé.
Baudelaire: His Prose and Poetry
"Baudelaire: His Prose and Poetry" edited by T. R. Smith is a collection of works by the influential French poet Charles Baudelaire, compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology includes Baudelaire's renowned prose poems, as well as selections from his groundbreaking verses such as "The Flowers of Evil." The collection delves into themes of beauty, decadence, and the complexities of human experience, presenting Baudelaire as a central figure in modern literature whose style laid the groundwork for Symbolism and later poetic movements. The opening of the anthology sets a contemplative tone, beginning with a poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne dedicated to Baudelaire's memory. It reflects on themes of loss, beauty, the passage of time, and the artist's struggle with existential despair. Following this tribute, the editor provides a preface that outlines Baudelaire's significance, emphasizing his philosophical insights into art and emotion that challenge conventional morality and beauty. Additionally, the opening portion introduces various prose poems that capture the depth of Baudelaire's perception, exploring the intricacies of love, longing, and the interplay between reality and illusion.
L'Oeuvre Poètique de Charles Baudelaire: Les Fleurs du Mal
"L'Oeuvre Poètique de Charles Baudelaire: Les Fleurs du Mal" by Charles Baudelaire is a poetry collection published in 1857. This scandalous work brought together nearly all of Baudelaire's verse written from 1840 until his death. The collection sparked outrage in French society, leading to a sensational trial and the censorship of six poems deemed immoral. Exploring themes of suffering, sin, death, and the yearning for an ideal world, Baudelaire created a methodically arranged work that juxtaposes human emotion with stark reality and ineffable beauty.
The Poems and Prose Poems of Charles Baudelaire with an Introductory Preface by James Huneker
"The Poems and Prose Poems of Charles Baudelaire" by Charles Baudelaire is a collection of poetry and prose poems written in the mid-19th century. This work reflects the themes of beauty, decay, and existential angst, characteristic of Baudelaire's exploration of the human condition and artistic expression. Central to the collection is the notion of duality in life and art, as well as the poet's unabashed appreciation for the darker aspects of existence. At the start of the book, the introductory preface by James Huneker presents a literary and biographical context for Baudelaire. Huneker discusses the myths and confusions surrounding Baudelaire's life, contrasting his public persona with the poet's literary genius. This opening sets the stage for the poems that follow, each delving into profound themes like death, beauty, and the struggles of the human spirit. The reader is introduced to a haunting and evocative landscape of emotional depth as expressed through Baudelaire's unique vision and imaginative language.
Poems in Prose
"Poems in Prose" by Charles Baudelaire is a collection of poetic prose pieces written during the mid-19th century, specifically around the time of the Romantic movement. This book delves into the exploration of beauty, existential contemplation, and the intricacies of human emotion through vivid imagery and lyrical language. Baudelaire's work presents a unique blend of poetry and prose, designed to evoke feelings and provoke thought on subjects like desire, melancholy, and the contrasts of urban life. In this collection, Baudelaire invites readers into a rich tapestry of emotions and settings, often portraying dreamlike realities alongside stark social observations. Through each piece, he expresses a yearning for beauty and a deep understanding of human suffering, while navigating themes of love, loss, and existential dread. For instance, in "The Favours of the Moon," he personifies the moon as a nurturing yet capricious entity, intertwining innocence with longing. Similarly, in "Be Drunken," he implores readers to embrace a state of intoxication—whether through wine, poetry, or virtue—to escape from the burdens of time. The vignettes interweave personal reflection with broader social commentaries, ultimately exploring the paradoxes of life and the human condition in their multifaceted depth.
De l'amour
"De l'amour" by Charles Baudelaire is a reflective work on the nature of love, likely written in the late 19th century. This text seeks to explore Baudelaire's complicated romantic life, illustrating how his experiences with love are intricately intertwined with his literary pursuits. The narrative touches on themes like desire, idealism, and the tormented relationship between love and suffering, encapsulated through Baudelaire's personal contradictions. The opening of "De l'amour" delves into Baudelaire's early encounters with love, illustrating his youthful infatuations and the evolution of his sentiments towards women. It addresses how his experiences shaped his worldview, particularly highlighting a relationship with a young singer that profoundly influenced his poetry. Baudelaire’s reflections reveal a subconscious desire to find himself through his lovers, portraying love as both a source of inspiration and an unsettling torment. The groundwork is laid for an exploration of his relationships, especially his tumultuous affair with Jeanne Duval, hinting at the profound impact these experiences had on his artistic expression.
Journaux intimes
"Journaux intimes" by Charles Baudelaire is a collection of personal reflections and observations written during the mid to late 19th century. This work encompasses two distinct parts, "Fusées" and "Mon cœur mis à nu" (My Heart Laid Bare), and it delves into themes of love, beauty, and the human condition. The entries reflect Baudelaire's introspective nature and his unique perspective on art, society, and existence itself. The content of "Journaux intimes" features Baudelaire's candid musings on a variety of subjects, including the nature of love, the essence of beauty, and the complexities of modern life. In "Fusées," he offers sharp insights that challenge conventional beliefs about religion and love, often equating them with prostitution and exploring the darker sides of human emotions. In "Mon cœur mis à nu," Baudelaire pours out his personal grievances and experiences, admitting to his vulnerabilities and insecurities. Through a blend of poetic language and philosophical contemplation, the author presents a rich tapestry of thoughts that invite readers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
Les épaves de Charles Baudelaire
"Les épaves de Charles Baudelaire" by Charles Baudelaire is a collection of 23 poems published in 1866. This work gathers pieces deemed too controversial for his main collection, including poems condemned in an 1857 trial for offending public morality. Published in Belgium by his friend Auguste Poulet-Malassis while Baudelaire lived in exile, the collection contains banned verses and unpublished works. The book's title, meaning "The Wreckage," reflects its nature as salvaged fragments—literary castaways rejected from respectable publication yet preserved for a knowing audience.