
Joris-Karl Huysmans
February 5, 1848 – May 12, 1907
This French novelist is celebrated for his distinctive literary voice, notable for its idiosyncratic use of language, vast vocabulary, and richly sensuous descriptions. His works are remarkable for their encyclopedic detail and sharp, satirical wit. Huysmans conveys a profound disgust with modern life and a deep pessimism, a worldview that led him first to the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer and later to the teachings of the Catholic Church.