Explore the captivating world of *The Flowers of Evil*, a groundbreaking collection by Charles Baudelaire that revolutionized modern poetry. Celebrated by T.S. Eliot as a pinnacle of literary achievement, this daring work boldly confronts themes of love, death, and the gritty realities of urban existence. First published in the 19th century, this collection faced unprecedented backlash for its frank discussions of lesbian love and intricate relationship with sexuality. Unflinchingly candid, *The Flowers of Evil* reveals the tangled interplay between desire and despair, societal constraints, and individual yearning.

This brand new translation reinstates the original banned poems that shocked the public and explores the depths of human emotion with raw honesty. With an insightful introduction by Jonathan Culler, readers are invited to delve into Baudelaire's rich symbolism and the profound questions he poses regarding the nature of evil and the tragic twists of fate that challenge our aspirations.

Join a century-long journey of literary exploration and transformation with one of the most profound and controversial texts of the modern world. Perfect for poetry lovers, literary scholars, and anyone eager to understand the darker nuances of human experience.

NOTE: Shipping for this item is FREE, please allow 15 days for shipping. As it’s shipped from our Auckland warehouse, there are no unexpected import charges, custom duties, or taxes.

NOTE: Shipping for this item is FREE, please allow 15 days for shipping. As its shipped from our Auckland warehouse there is no unexpected import charges, custom duties or taxes.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780199535583
Year: 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press UK


Description:
The Flowers of Evil, which T. S. Eliot called the greatest example of modern poetry in any language, shocked the literary world of nineteenth century France with its outspoken portrayal of lesbian love, its linking sexuality and death, its unremitting irony, and its unflinching celebration of the seamy side of urban life. The volume was seized by the police, and Baudelaire and his published were put on trial for offence to public decency. Six offending
poems were banned, in a conviction that was not overturned until 1949. This bold new translation, which restores the banned poems to their original places and reveals the full richness and
variety of the collection, makes available to English speakers a powerful and original version of the world. Jonathan Culler's Introduction outlines this vision, stressing that Baudelaire is more than just the poet of the modern city. Originally to be called `The Lesbians', The Flowers of Evil contains the most extraordinary body of love poetry. The poems also pose the question of the role of evil in our lives, of whether there are not external forces working to frustrate human plans
and to enlist men and women on appalling or stultifying scenarios not of their own making. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of
literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.