Paul-Marie Verlaine was a French poet associated with the Symbolist movement, recognized as one of the greatest representatives of the fin de siècle in international and French poetry. His work, emphasizing nuance and subtlety, has inspired numerous composers. In "Art Poétique," he describes a decadent style and alludes to the importance of suggestion and veiled meanings in poetry. Verlaine's life was marked by personal turmoil and struggles, yet his literary legacy endures through his distinctive verse.
The discovery of a "lost" manuscript by Paul Verlaine, titled Cellulairement, offers a treasure trove for fans of his poetry. This collection features poems that later appeared in his renowned works Sagesse, Parallèlement, and Jadis et Naguère. The English translation, Cellulely (or "Behind Bars"), makes these previously inaccessible poems available to a wider audience, highlighting Verlaine's enduring influence and artistry in the 21st century.
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.
A selection from the legendary French poet Paul Verlaine's first four books translated with irreverence and musicality by Keith Waldrop and K.A. Hays. Before he became an icon of fin de siècle French poetry and a major influence on the Symbolist and Decadent movements, before he met Arthur Rimbaud and published his best-known collection, Sagesse (Wisdom, 1880), Paul Verlaine wrote four books of poetry: Saturnine Poems (1866), Wild Parties (1869), The Good Song (1870), and Wordless Romances (1874). This volume presents selections from those books, presenting Verlaine's lesser-known early work, in translations that Cole Swensen has dubbed "a real tour de force" and Michael Palmer calls "remarkable versions." Poetry. LGBTQIA+ Studies.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, this work offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a Frenchman exploring his homeland. Written by Paul Verlaine in 1880 and published posthumously in 1907, it reflects the poet's observations and experiences, blending travel narrative with lyrical prose. The text captures the essence of French culture, landscapes, and society during that era, revealing Verlaine's deep emotional connection to his country.
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..."
The collection features early works by Paul Verlaine, showcasing his distinctive voice that blends Romantic and Parnassian influences. First published in 1866, it reflects the impact of notable poets such as Baudelaire, Hugo, and Gautier. This debut marked the beginning of Verlaine's illustrious career, establishing him as a significant figure in French poetry. The poems explore themes of beauty, emotion, and the complexities of love, setting the stage for his later, more innovative works.
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.