Author
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
1848-1907
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans (1848-1907) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
Against the Grain
"Against the Grain" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1884. It follows Jean des Esseintes, the last member of a declining aristocratic family, who retreats from Parisian society to live in isolated aesthetic contemplation. The plotless narrative catalogues his eccentric experiments with art, literature, perfumes, and exotic flowers as he creates an artificial world that reflects his rejection of bourgeois life. This groundbreaking work abandoned Naturalism to become the defining example of Decadent literature, influencing Oscar Wilde and the Symbolist movement.
Là-bas
"Là-bas" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1891. It follows Durtal, a writer disgusted with modern life, who seeks refuge in studying the medieval child-murderer Gilles de Rais. His research leads him into the occult underworld of fin de siècle Paris, where he discovers that Satanism thrives in contemporary France. With his lover Madame Chantelouve, Durtal investigates this hidden world, culminating in a notorious Black Mass. The novel stirred immediate controversy and was banned from French railway stations.
A rebours
"A rebours" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1884. It follows Jean des Esseintes, the last member of a decaying aristocratic family, who withdraws from Parisian society to pursue a life of pure aesthetic contemplation in isolation. The narrative chronicles his eccentric experiments with art, literature, perfumes, and exotic collections as he attempts to create an artificial paradise. This groundbreaking work broke from Naturalism to become the defining example of Decadent literature, profoundly influencing writers like Oscar Wilde.
The Cathedral
"The Cathedral" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1898. The third book featuring the character Durtal, a thinly disguised portrait of Huysmans himself, it follows the protagonist after his retreat at a Trappist monastery as he moves to Chartres. There, Durtal immerses himself in the renowned Chartres Cathedral, which Huysmans describes in extraordinary detail. The novel became Huysmans' most commercially successful work during his lifetime, and tourists still use it as a guidebook to the cathedral today.
Sainte Lydwine de Schiedam
"Sainte Lydwine de Schiedam" by J.-K. Huysmans is a hagiography published in 1901. The work depicts the life of Saint Lydwine, who endured thirty-eight years bedridden and afflicted by extreme suffering. Huysmans portrays her mystical ability to take on others' illnesses through divine substitution, transforming pain into spiritual ascension. The narrative pushes bodily suffering to its limits, depicting diseases with visceral, violent imagery that exemplifies Huysmans's naturalistic approach to mysticism and the tormented flesh.
En route
"En route" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1895. It follows Durtal, a character haunted by his past debauches, as he navigates life after his conversion to Catholicism. Seeking solace in Parisian churches and sacred art, he finds guidance from a priest who leads him to a Trappist monastery for a spiritual retreat. The novel explores the challenge of living religiously after conversion, weaving in explorations of Catholic mysticism and monastic life while portraying the protagonist's inner struggles between faith and doubt.
Trois Églises Eaux-fortes originales de Ch. Jouas
"Trois Églises" by J.-K. Huysmans is a reflective historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the symbolic and architectural significance of three churches in Paris: Notre-Dame, Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, and Saint-Merry. It contemplates how these sacred spaces embody rich layers of meaning relating to faith, art, and history, moving beyond mere architecture into the realm of spiritual and cultural expression. The opening of "Trois Églises" sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Notre-Dame, unpacking its complex symbolism intertwined with Christian doctrine and medieval artistic practices. Huysmans critiques both contemporary interpretations and modern architectural neglect of these historic structures, arguing for a return to understanding their spiritual essence rather than viewing them purely as material relics. The initial chapter establishes a theme of a deeper connection between faith and artistry while contrasting historical reverence with modern disinterest, thus inviting readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the sacred spaces around them.
En ménage
"En ménage" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1881. It follows André Jayant, a novelist trapped in a stifling marriage to the narrow-minded Berthe. After discovering her infidelity, André flees to other women—first a prostitute, then a former lover—only to find himself unable to manage life alone. This deeply personal work shifts from pictorial description to psychological exploration, featuring inner monologues that anticipate twentieth-century fiction while reflecting a profound pessimism about domestic life and human relationships.
Gegen den Strich
"Gegen den Strich" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel published in 1884. The narrative follows Jean des Esseintes, an eccentric aristocrat who retreats from bourgeois society into self-imposed isolation. In his countryside refuge, he cultivates an elaborate world of aesthetic experiences—collecting art, experimenting with perfumes, and surrounding himself with exotic objects. The essentially plotless novel catalogs his neurotic tastes and hyperaesthetic pursuits while recalling his decadent Parisian past. Breaking from Naturalism, it became the defining work of Decadent literature and inspired Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Un dilemme
"Un dilemme" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complex dynamics of inheritance and social relationships following the death of a young man named Jules, particularly focusing on the legal and moral implications surrounding his mistress, Sophie. The book delves into themes of class, gender, and the often harsh realities faced by women in society. The opening of the novel introduces the characters M. Lambois and Maître Le Ponsart, discussing the fate of Jules' estate after his death. They explore the legal ramifications of Jules' relationships, particularly concerning Sophie, who claims to be pregnant. The notary, Le Ponsart, plans to deal with her without acknowledgment of any emotional or financial obligation, revealing his pragmatic yet cold approach to the situation. This sets the stage for the ensuing conflict as Sophie confronts the harsh realities of her situation and the societal expectations placed upon her. The intricate dialogues and character interactions highlight the tension between moral righteousness and personal gain, a central theme in the narrative.
Sac-Au-Dos 1907
"Sac-Au-Dos" by Joris Karl Huysmans is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the experiences of a young man named Eugène Lejantel as he undergoes a tumultuous journey through military service during the Franco-Prussian War. The novel explores themes of identity, the absurdities of military life, and the search for personal meaning against the backdrop of war and societal expectations. The story begins with Eugène's life post-education as he is thrust into the rigors of military duty, largely against his will. His narrative unfolds with vivid descriptions of his experiences as a soldier, highlighted by his dreary journey through military camps, mundane hospital life, and interactions with various characters that illustrate the trials and tribulations of soldiers during wartime. As he grapples with the harsh realities of war, including illness and the camaraderie formed among fellow soldiers, Eugène also experiences fleeting moments of joy, tenderness, and rebellion. Along the way, he develops a friendship with a painter named Francis and encounters Sister Angèle, whose kindness stands in stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. Ultimately, the novel reflects on Eugène's search for freedom and the complexity of the human experience in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty.