Author
Pierre Louÿs
1870-1925
Pierre Louÿs (1870-1925) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Pierre Louÿs
Ancient Manners; Also Known As Aphrodite
"Ancient Manners; Also Known As Aphrodite" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel published in 1896. Set in ancient Alexandria, it follows the dangerous game between Chrysis, a courtesan proud of her beauty, and Démétrios, a sculptor unmoved by women's devotion. When Chrysis becomes the only woman indifferent to him, Démétrios pursues her obsessively, committing theft and murder to obtain three precious objects she demands. Their twisted pursuit of desire and beauty leads to a shocking conclusion that scandalized readers upon publication.
Les chansons de Bilitis
"Les chansons de Bilitis" by Pierre Louÿs is a collection of erotic poetry published in 1894. Louÿs presented these sensual verses as translations from ancient Greek texts by a fictional courtesan named Bilitis, a contemporary of Sappho. The elaborate hoax fooled scholars initially, complete with fabricated archaeological documentation. The 143 prose poems trace Bilitis's life through three stages—from childhood innocence to lesbian love affairs to life as a courtesan. Though exposed as a pseudotranslation, the work gained lasting significance for its sympathetic celebration of lesbian sexuality.
Woman and Puppet, Etc.
"Woman and Puppet, Etc." by Pierre Louÿs is a novel written in 1898. Set during carnival in Seville, it tells the story of don Mateo Diaz and his turbulent relationship with Conchita Pérez, a bewitching young Andalusian woman. Through cycles of attraction and rejection, flirtation and jealousy, don Mateo finds himself manipulated for fourteen months before a violent confrontation changes everything. The novel explores obsessive passion and psychological manipulation in a tale that has inspired numerous opera and film adaptations.
The songs of Bilitis : $b Translated from the Greek : A new rendering in English with notes and comment
"The Songs of Bilitis: Translated from the Greek" by Pierre Louÿs is a collection of erotic poetry published in 1894. Louÿs presented these lesbian love poems as ancient Greek works by Bilitis, a courtesan and contemporary of Sappho, complete with fabricated scholarly apparatus including a fictional archaeologist's discovery. The pseudotranslation initially deceived experts before being exposed as Louÿs's original creation. The poems trace three phases of life—from childhood innocence through passionate same-sex love to melancholy reflection—blending sensuality with classical style while openly celebrating lesbian sexuality.
Aphrodite: Moeurs antiques
"Aphrodite: Moeurs antiques" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel published in 1896. Set in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic era, it chronicles the tempestuous relationship between Chrysis, a beautiful courtesan, and Demetrius, a sculptor obsessed with ideal beauty. To win Chrysis's affection, Demetrius must obtain three sacred objects through theft, murder, and sacrilege. As desire transforms into something darker, the story explores the dangerous collision between physical passion and artistic idealism in a vividly imagined ancient world where pleasure reigns supreme.
Sanguines
"Sanguines" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative seems to explore themes of art, beauty, and sensuality through the interactions of its characters, notably Bryaxis, an aged sculptor, and a group of younger apprentices who idolize him. The context appears to blend historical elements and mythological references, hinting at a pursuit of the ideal in both art and love. At the start of the story, two young apprentices are in the lush gardens of Ephesus with the venerable sculptor Bryaxis. They are filled with reverence for the elderly artist, who reflects on his glories and connections to his past works. The arrival of the playful Ophélion introduces a significant gossip about a Queen's portrait by the artist Clésidès, who faces unusual demands from her. This leads to comedic exchanges about hierarchical roles within artistry and the tension between model and creator, setting a backdrop of artistic rivalry and societal expectations as the characters navigate their relationships amid the vibrant cultural landscape of their time.
Les aventures du roi Pausole
"Les aventures du roi Pausole" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel first published as a serial in 1900. In the fictional kingdom of Tryphème, King Pausole rules by a simple two-article code: do not harm your neighbor, and otherwise do as you please. When his young daughter Aline secretly leaves the palace after falling for a dancer, the king embarks on a three-day search through his libertine realm. The adventure leads to palace revolts, romantic encounters, and questions about freedom and governance in this fantastical world.
Archipel
"Archipel" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative leads us into a rich, dreamlike world filled with sensuality and emotional intricacies, centering around a character named Néphélis who awaits someone in the depths of night, revealing themes of desire, fear, and madness. The opening of "Archipel" introduces us to Néphélis, a young woman cloaked in mystery, who waits in apprehension by her garden door on a night filled with darkness and the scent of nature. As she eagerly anticipates an encounter with her lover, an unexpected figure—a ragged man claiming to be the King of Egypt—enters her life, disrupting her plans and unveiling a perilous confrontation. The tension escalates as Néphélis grapples with her vulnerability and the encroaching madness of her intruder, leading to a dramatic struggle between her desires and the grotesque reality she faces.
La femme et le pantin: roman espagnol
"La femme et le pantin: roman espagnol" by Pierre Louÿs is a novel published in 1898. Set during Carnival in Seville, a Frenchman named André Stévenol becomes captivated by a young Andalusian woman, Concepción Pérez. To warn him, his friend don Mateo recounts his own painful history with her—a story of obsessive passion and manipulation. Mateo describes how he became her puppet, enduring years of torment as she controlled and humiliated him. The novel explores destructive desire and psychological domination.