Paul Verlaine Books

Focusing on the theme of love, this collection of poetry reflects Paul Verlaine's deep emotions surrounding his relationship with Mathilde Mauté de Fleurville, his future child-wife. Written against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, it captures a range of feelings including joy, doubt, and passionate desire. Critics have noted its significance as a transformative work, marking a shift from traditional, descriptive poetry to a more personal and introspective expression of the poet's inner struggles and emotions.

Paul Verlaine's later poetry, particularly in "Songs for Her" and "Odes in Her Honor," showcases a shift from his traditionally nuanced style to a more direct celebration of physical and emotional love. These works reflect the passionate relationship between a middle-aged man and two women, emphasizing musicality and experimentation rather than subtlety. While still retaining his characteristic lyrical quality, these poems boldly express desire and affection, offering a fresh perspective on Verlaine's poetic evolution.

Fêtes Galantes captures the essence of French comedy and pastoral life through vivid imagery of characters from commedia dell’arte, set against enchanting landscapes. The poems reflect Verlaine's emotional depth, exploring themes of melancholy and romantic longing. In contrast, Songs Without Words delves into the complexities of love, focusing on relationships with a childhood cousin, a young wife, and fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, all set against the backdrop of the Ardennes and urban locales. Notably, it features the renowned poem "Il pleure dans mon coeur..."

Verlaine's lesser-known collections of erotic poems, straight and gay.

Featuring autobiographical elements that read like fiction, this collection presents the first-ever English translations of Paul Verlaine's "My Hospitals" and "My Prisons." The works showcase his renowned nuanced style and offer captivating eyewitness accounts of the Paris Commune and the Belle Epoque. Readers will encounter notable figures such as Arthur Rimbaud, Victor Hugo, and Léon Bloy, enriching the historical context and personal reflections woven throughout these poignant narratives.

Exploring the themes of love, longing, and melancholy, this collection showcases the poignant and musical verses of Paul Verlaine. Known for his unique style, Verlaine's poems evoke deep emotional resonance, blending beauty with a sense of wistfulness. The selected works highlight his mastery of rhythm and imagery, capturing the essence of the Symbolist movement. Readers will find a rich tapestry of feelings that reflect both personal experiences and universal truths, making this anthology a compelling introduction to Verlaine's lyrical genius.

Exploring themes of love, death, religion, and nature, this collection of poems reflects the deep melancholy and despair of Paul Verlaine's tumultuous life. It serves as a tribute to marginalized poets like Rimbaud, Baudelaire, and Mallarmé, who faced societal rejection due to their unconventional lifestyles and writings. Divided into four parts, the work is a cornerstone of French Symbolist poetry and has significantly influenced numerous writers and poets since its 1888 publication.

The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, which may exhibit imperfections such as marks, notations, and flawed pages due to its age. It is made available as part of a commitment to preserving and promoting culturally significant literature, ensuring readers have access to high-quality modern editions that remain true to the original text.