The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire

£12.49
In stock
SKU
OX005

Parallel texts enable you to read through the text and check on any words or phrases that you might not have quite understood. These books are a great tool for language learners!

  • Poems are good for short, concerted bursts of learning
  • Full translation in English
  • Notes on certain sections
  • Read some great works of literature while also learning a language
  • Ideal for intermediate learners

Product Description

The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire

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.

The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire - Reviews

"'Jonathan Culler's 24 page introduction is thoughtful and informative; and the editorial apparatus of bibliography, chronology and notes on the text are up to the high standard of the series.' Acumen Magazine"
"'McGowan's fine poetic sense uses the springing monosyllable to good effect; A reader who goes straight to James McGowan's versions will be well rewarded. A scrupulous and sensitive poet has made the whole of Baudelaire's poetry in verse available in English so that the unique quality of the original consistently survives.' Harry Guest, Journal of European Studies, XXIV (1994)"
"'Culler's insistence on Baudelaire's depressing conclusions is welcome at a time when these poems are frequently subjected to evangelical optimism. McGowan urges us to consult other translations. His own generally reliable versions - given his satanic pact with symmetry - are probably now the best place to start.' Graham Robb, French Studies, Vol. 48, Pt.4"

The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire - Translators

Translated from French by James N McGowan, Professor of English, Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois, USA With an introduction by Jonathan Culler, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Cornell University, USA

Collected Poems as English verse translation with Parallel French Text.

  • Language

    French

  • Level

    Beginner

  • Book Binding

    Paperback

  • Book Format

    Parallel Text

  • Book Genre

    Poetry

  • Book ISBN

    9780199535583

  • Book Page Count

    464

  • Book Publication Date

    17 April 2008

  • Book Publisher

    Oxford World's Classics

  • Catalogue Ref

    OX005-1

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