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Léon Bloy

    July 11, 1846 – November 3, 1917

    Léon Bloy was a French writer whose work is deeply rooted in Catholic faith and a craving for the Absolute. After a tumultuous youth marked by a hatred for the Roman Catholic Church, he underwent a dramatic religious conversion that profoundly shaped his literary path. His writing reflects a deep devotion, often characterized by a dependence on charity, earning him the nickname "the ungrateful beggar." Despite controversies and falling out with the literary community due to his radical views and fierce attacks on rationalism, Bloy left a significant legacy through his diary and extensive correspondence.

    Léon Bloy
    The Soul of Napoleon
    The Tarantulas' Parlor
    The Desperate Man
    Joan of Arc and Germany
    Meditations of a Solitary in 1916
    Words of a Demolitions Contractor
    • 2024

      She Who Weeps

      • 290 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Exploring themes of Mariology and Millenarianism, this influential work by Léon Bloy delves into the author's deep religious convictions. Initially started in 1879, the manuscript faced abandonment until Pierre Termier, a close friend and advocate of Mary, reignited Bloy's passion for the project. The text reflects Bloy's unique perspective on faith and spirituality, making it a significant contribution to his body of work and religious thought. This translation brings a pivotal piece of Bloy's legacy to English-speaking audiences.

      She Who Weeps
    • 2024

      On the Threshold of the Apocalypse

      1913-1915

      • 450 pages
      • 16 hours of reading

      Léon Bloy's personal journal captures a pivotal moment in history, spanning from 1913 to 1915, just before and during the early years of World War I. His insights reveal a deep awareness of the looming threat from Prussian Germany towards France, which he viewed as "the Eldest Daughter of the Church." Bloy's writings reflect his long-held belief in an impending catastrophe, influenced by religious visions such as those from Our Lady of Salette, offering a profound perspective on the intersection of faith and the tumultuous events of his time.

      On the Threshold of the Apocalypse
    • 2024

      Blood of the Poor

      • 146 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Exploring the theme of avarice, this work presents a profound and unflinching critique of societal issues. Léon Bloy's writing is emotionally challenging, leaving readers exposed to the harsh realities of the world without any refuge. The text combines the fervor of a sermon reminiscent of Savonarola with the sharp satire akin to Jonathan Swift, creating a dark, poetic prose that confronts the reader directly and unrelentingly.

      Blood of the Poor
    • 2024

      The Revealer of the Globe

      Christopher Columbus & His Future Beatification

      • 102 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      The book delves into the life and legacy of Christopher Columbus, advocating for his canonization and exploring his significance to Western civilization. Bloy presents Columbus as a pivotal figure, embodying the essence of the West, while critiquing those who benefit from this civilization yet express ingratitude. The narrative, enriched by a preface from Jules Barbey d'Aurevilly, resonates with contemporary relevance, prompting readers to reflect on the complex interplay between heritage and acknowledgment.

      The Revealer of the Globe
    • 2024

      The Soul of Napoleon

      • 132 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Exploring Napoleon's achievements, this prose poem offers a unique reassessment of his significance through a Catholic lens, highlighting eschatological themes. Written in 1912, it captures Léon Bloy's distinctive style and prophetic insights, hinting at the impending turmoil of World War I and its aftermath. The work delves deep into the complexities of Napoleon's legacy, intertwining historical reflection with spiritual contemplation, showcasing Bloy's profound understanding of both the man and the broader implications of his era.

      The Soul of Napoleon
    • 2023

      Meditations of a Solitary in 1916

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The book explores profound theological themes, particularly focusing on the dichotomy between the Christian soul and the perceived lack of soul in Wilhelm II, the German emperor during World War I. Written in a time of deep frustration and compassion, Léon Bloy reflects on the moral and spiritual crises of the era. It serves as a companion piece to his earlier works, presenting a unique perspective on the tumultuous events of the time and the author's intense emotional responses to the political landscape.

      Meditations of a Solitary in 1916
    • 2023

      Salvation Through the Jews

      • 108 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Exploring themes of prophecy and salvation, this work delves into the complex relationship between Jews and Christians, particularly in the context of Léon Bloy's earlier writings. It serves as a sequel to The Desperate Man, reflecting on apocalyptic and eschatological ideas while challenging readers to engage with its profound artistry and arguments. The narrative transcends its religious context, suggesting that its insights can resonate universally, making it essential reading for anyone interested in deeper societal and existential questions.

      Salvation Through the Jews
    • 2023

      Focusing on the historical significance of the narrative, this work explores the enduring importance of the figure associated with Notre Dame de la Salette. To ensure its preservation for future generations, the book has been thoroughly revised and reformatted for modern readers, offering clarity and readability. This edition aims to maintain the essence of the original while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.

      Celle qui pleure (Notre Dame de la Salette)
    • 2023

      The Desperate Man

      • 540 pages
      • 19 hours of reading

      Set in the backdrop of 19th-century France, this seminal work by Léon Bloy explores themes of decadence and poverty, reflecting the struggles of a talented writer. The narrative delves into the complexities of life, portraying it as a blend of artistic aspiration and existential hardship. As Bloy’s first novel, it lays the groundwork for the themes he would continue to explore throughout his career, showcasing the profound impact of his own experiences with poverty on his literary voice.

      The Desperate Man
    • 2022

      Constantinople and Byzantium

      • 200 pages
      • 7 hours of reading

      Focusing on the Macedonian dynasty, this work explores the rise and fall of notable warrior emperors like Nicephorus Phocas and Basil II, who led the Eastern Roman Empire through a Renaissance period marked by conflicts with various peoples. The narrative spans the middle of the tenth to the eleventh century, detailing the empire's military endeavors and cultural revival before the Crusades. The final chapter highlights the last of the Macedonian rulers, the Porphyrogenita empresses Zoe and Theodora, symbolizing the end of an era.

      Constantinople and Byzantium