The Flowers of Evil, Charles Baudelaire
The Flowers of Evil, Charles Baudelaire
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The Flowers of Evil

Author: Charles Baudelaire

Narrator: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Thorn

Unabridged: 1 hr 24 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/14/2023


Synopsis

"Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil) is a collection of poems by the French poet Charles Baudelaire. It was first published in 1857 and is considered one of the most important works in French literature. The collection is divided into several sections, each exploring different themes such as love, death, beauty, and decadence.
Baudelaire's poetry in "Les Fleurs du Mal" is known for its rich and innovative language, as well as its exploration of dark and taboo subjects. The poet often expresses a fascination with the beauty found in the midst of decay and decadence. The poems reflect Baudelaire's complex and often contradictory views on the nature of humanity and the modern urban experience.
One of the most famous poems from "Les Fleurs du Mal" is "To the Reader" ("Au Lecteur"), which serves as an introduction to the collection. In this poem, Baudelaire addresses the reader directly and sets the tone for the themes that will be explored throughout the work.
Despite its literary significance, "Les Fleurs du Mal" initially faced legal issues due to its perceived obscenity and immorality. Baudelaire and his publisher were fined, and six poems were suppressed. Over time, however, the collection gained recognition and is now celebrated as a masterpiece of French literature. Baudelaire's influence extends beyond literature, as his exploration of the darker aspects of human experience has resonated with artists, philosophers, and thinkers across various disciplines.

About Charles Baudelaire

Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) was a French poet and essayist and one of the leading figures in the movement which later became known as Modernism. His output was small, and his work is characterized by an intense subjectivity and an eroticism which was considered scandalous at the time.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Kelly on January 18, 2008

After reading Baudelaire, I suddenly find myself wanting to smoke cigarettes and say very cynical things while donning a trendy haircut. Plus, if I didn't read Baudelaire, how could I possibly carry on conversations with pretentious art students? In all seriousness, though, I wish my French was bett......more

Goodreads review by Ulysse on January 28, 2025

Dear Charles, I’m flattered to be your muse, I really am. How many women can say they’ve inspired a genius to write poems about them, poems that will be read and loved hundreds of years from now? You have immortalized me in perfect rhymes, and thanks to you, Charles, I shall always be remembered as a......more

Goodreads review by Georgia on August 19, 2023

This is Poe for grownups. Lusty, edgy, and melodically intoxicating. Baudelaire's poems in French are delivered alive, kicking and beautiful as new babes in these English versions from James McGowan's capable hands. I was not surprised to learn this translator is a poet. He has the ear for rhythms.......more

Goodreads review by Leonard on January 29, 2023

Ironie suprême, ce livre, condamné pour immoralité lors de sa parution est désormais le recueil de poésie le plus canonique de toute la littérature française (en témoigne sa présence increvable dans les programmes scolaires). Mais cette ironie, cette apparente ambivalence, cet oxymore de l’histoire......more

Goodreads review by Flo on December 05, 2024

[5.0⭐] 𝙇𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙡 es un poemario escrito por Charles Baudelaire y publicado en 1857. Es considerado una de las obras fundamentales de la poesía moderna ya que explora temas como el amor, el sufrimiento, la muerte y esa fascinación por encontrar belleza en lo oscuro y lo decadente.   Esta es l......more