Author
Jean Lorrain
1855-1906
Jean Lorrain (1855-1906) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Jean Lorrain
Poussières de Paris
"Poussières de Paris" by Jean Lorrain is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book captures the essence of Parisian life through a series of vignettes that explore themes of beauty, decadence, and the artistic milieu. Through its narrative, Lorrain offers a rich tapestry of characters, emotions, and the sensory delights of the city, making it a potential treat for readers interested in the complexities of urban existence during a transformative period. The opening of the novel sets a reflective tone, with an homage to the late poet Georges Rodenbach. It begins on January 1, evoking the melancholic atmosphere of a new year while lamenting the losses suffered in the artistic community. Lorrain muses on the impact of 1898 as a year of death for numerous talents, interspersing his prose with poetic references to Rodenbach's work and the weight of memory. The narrative weaves in snippets of conversations among characters, discussing their experiences at Parisian theaters and the cultural scene, hinting at the vibrant yet tumultuous life that permeates the city. Overall, the beginning establishes a poignant exploration of nostalgia, art, and the fragile beauty of life in Paris.
Le crime des riches
"Le Crime des Riches" by Jean Lorrain is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the decadent society of the Riviera, portraying intricate relationships between its wealthy inhabitants, often entangled in scandal and intrigue. The narrative begins by introducing a colorful ensemble of characters, hinting at themes of opulence, moral corruption, and the consequences of wealth. At the start of the novel, the lush setting of the Riviera is depicted through a lively conversation between characters who discuss prominent social figures and their sordid histories. Glossed with wit, this dialogue paints a vivid picture of the extravagant yet morally ambiguous lives led by the elite, including those with dubious pasts or scandalous reputations. The opening sets a tone of intrigue and anticipation, establishing a backdrop of glamour intertwined with darker human behaviors as various characters navigate their fortunes amidst the vibrant yet treacherous social landscape.
Monsieur de Phocas, Astarté: Roman
"Monsieur de Phocas, Astarté: Roman" by Jean Lorrain is a novel published in 1901. The Duke de Fréneuse, a jaded aristocrat and ether addict, confides his intimate journal to a narrator. Within these pages, he reveals his obsessive quest for a mysterious "glaucous transparency"—a green light first glimpsed in ancient eyes. This pursuit leads him through precious gems, portraits, and masks, into encounters with the malevolent Claudius Ethal. A cornerstone of Decadent literature, the novel explores decay, perversion, and phantasmagoric visions in fin-de-siècle society.
Âmes d'automne
"Âmes d'automne" by Jean Lorrain is a collection of prose poems that captures the melancholic mood of late 19th-century Paris, reflecting themes of ennui, desire, and the ephemeral nature of life. The work delves into the experiences of characters who navigate a world filled with emotional turmoil, particularly during the autumn season, which serves as a metaphor for life's fleeting beauty and inevitable decay. The opening of the book vividly sets the scene, describing the somber atmosphere of autumn as it envelops Paris. It explores the feelings of sadness and loneliness that accompany the changing seasons, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the malaise that grips the city's inhabitants. Key images include the fading beauty of the city, the melancholic streets filled with figures who embody the restlessness of life, and the poignant encounters that reveal the characters’ struggles with their inner demons. As the narrative unfolds, it presents a profound exploration of human despair amidst the backdrop of the vibrant yet fading cityscape.
Pelléastres. Le poison de la littérature. Crimes de Montmartre et d'ailleurs. Une aventure.
"Pelléastres. Le poison de la littérature. Crimes de Montmartre et d'ailleurs…" by Jean Lorrain is a literary work likely written in the early 20th century. This narrative explores themes of artistic decay, societal hypocrisy, and the complicated relationships between men and women within the realm of literature and culture. The book's protagonist, Jacques Hurtel, presents a misanthropic view on the intertwined fates of literature and the people who consume it, situating himself amidst the vibrant but toxic Parisian artistic scene. The opening of "Pelléastres" introduces a reflective and critical tone as it delves into the fleeting nature of youth, beauty, and the illusions surrounding life and art. Through the character of Jacques Hurtel, the narrative sets the stage for an exploration of the negative influence of societal norms and the "poison" literature can produce. The text portrays a cast of eccentric characters, including a young man named Edward Ytter, who embodies the obsession with appearance and superficiality prevalent among the artistic elite. As the story unfolds, it juxtaposes the allure of the Parisian haut-monde with its underlying decadence, paving the way for deeper investigations into the darker aspects of human desire and the role of art in shaping those desires.
Heures d'Afrique
"Heures d'Afrique" by Jean Lorrain is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the vibrant and tumultuous life in various cities of Africa, particularly focusing on Marseille and Oran, as well as the reflections of a narrator navigating through the complexities of culture, desire, and disillusionment in these coastal locales. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene, detailing the bustling streets of Marseille with their colorful characters, sounds, and scents that evoke a lively and chaotic atmosphere. The narrator describes Christmas night in Marseille, where a celebration is juxtaposed with the darker realities of vice and violence in the city's lower quarters. The contrasting themes of festive joy and lurking danger are established as tensions rise among sailors and locals, foreshadowing conflicts. The narrator’s appreciation for the seductive yet perilous allure of these Mediterranean cities is palpable, providing a richly textured backdrop for the unfolding narrative.
L'école des vieilles femmes
"L'école des vieilles femmes" by Jean Lorrain is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story delves into the lives of aging women and the societal pressures they face as they navigate their desires and the essence of love amidst the decline of youth. The book explores the complexities of passion and longing, particularly focusing on the character of Annie Bloosevelt, a wealthy widow whose sudden reawakening of desire leads to unexpected consequences. The opening of the novel presents a vibrant scene during a dinner among friends at a riverside inn near Paris. A sudden storm disrupts the evening, creating a tense atmosphere where the characters reflect on the chaotic forces of nature and how they can parallel emotional upheaval in their lives. One character, Barnsthert, philosophizes about the unpredictable nature of passions, likening them to a destructive wind—“La Rafale.” This sets the stage for the introduction of the comtesse Henri de Lormeril, whose repressed desires surface when she shows interest in the young tutor M. Daniel. The narration hints at deeper themes of loss and survival as the characters grapple with their emotions in a world that often considers them irrelevant due to their age.
Ellen
"Ellen" by Jean Lorrain is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Lady Horneby and her daughter, Ellen, who is gravely ill with tuberculosis. Lady Horneby faces the desperate challenge of balancing her daughter's whims with the need for strict medical care as they navigate the illness's toll on their family, especially since Lady Horneby has already lost three children to the same disease. The opening of the novel establishes a sense of foreboding regarding Ellen's health as her doctor, Harmeroy, delivers a grim prognosis. He chastises Lady Horneby for prioritizing her daughter's desires over her well-being, highlighting the careless decisions that have exacerbated her illness. As he reveals that Ellen's condition is critical, the emotional toll on Lady Horneby becomes clear, especially as she recounts the heartbreak of losing her other children. The tension between the mother’s nurturing love and the harsh reality of Ellen's illness sets a poignant tone for the story, effectively drawing the reader into a deep exploration of grief, responsibility, and the relentless grip of fate.
La mandragore
"La mandragore" by Jean Lorrain is a narrative tale written in the late 19th century. This work combines elements of fantasy and horror to explore themes of vanity, societal judgment, and the consequences of pride. The story follows the troubled life of a queen, Godelive, as she grapples with the monstrous birth of her child, a grotesque frog, and navigates the ensuing chaos in her royal life. The plot unfolds with the queen’s despair after giving birth to a monstrous frog, which she is pressured to abandon for the sake of her family's honor. Instead of letting go, Godelive's obsession with this creature leads her into a series of nightmares and dark magical pursuits, including her attempts to master the mystical mandragore root, which symbolizes her desperation to reclaim her lost child. As the tension escalates with the arrival of her son Rotterick and the bloody encounters related to the frog's existence, Godelive ultimately faces her tragic fate, bridging the realms of reality and illusion. The narrative culminates on a mystical and tragic note, presenting a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and the desire for control over fate.
Heures de Corse
"Heures de Corse" by Jean Lorrain is a travel narrative likely written in the early 20th century. The work presents a poetic and reflective journey from Marseille to Ajaccio, focusing on the changing landscapes and the author's emotional responses. It explores themes of nostalgia, melancholy, and the contrasting beauty of the natural world against the backdrop of human experiences and memories. The opening of the narrative begins with the protagonist's departure from a dreary and disappointing Marseille, setting the stage for the journey to Corsica, which he hopes will offer solace and healing. As the ship navigates a turbulent Mediterranean, the author shares vivid descriptions of the tumultuous sea and his own struggle with seasickness. His reflections on the situation lead to profound thoughts about life, death, and the allure of Corsica as a place of forgotten dreams and past glories, all while hinting at deeper themes of remembrance and the weight of personal history. The text smoothly transitions between the physical journey and the inner emotional landscape, establishing a rich atmosphere for the reader to engage with the unfolding story.