Paul Verlaine Libri

Poesie

Focusing on the theme of love, this collection of poetry reflects Paul Verlaine's deep emotions surrounding his relationship with Mathilde Mauté de Fleurville, his future child-wife. Written against the backdrop of the Franco-Prussian War, it captures a range of feelings including joy, doubt, and passionate desire. Critics have noted its significance as a transformative work, marking a shift from traditional, descriptive poetry to a more personal and introspective expression of the poet's inner struggles and emotions.

Paul Verlaine's later poetry, particularly in "Songs for Her" and "Odes in Her Honor," showcases a shift from his traditionally nuanced style to a more direct celebration of physical and emotional love. These works reflect the passionate relationship between a middle-aged man and two women, emphasizing musicality and experimentation rather than subtlety. While still retaining his characteristic lyrical quality, these poems boldly express desire and affection, offering a fresh perspective on Verlaine's poetic evolution.

Fêtes Galantes captures the essence of French comedy and pastoral life through vivid imagery of characters from commedia dell’arte, set against enchanting landscapes. The poems reflect Verlaine's emotional depth, exploring themes of melancholy and romantic longing. In contrast, Songs Without Words delves into the complexities of love, focusing on relationships with a childhood cousin, a young wife, and fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, all set against the backdrop of the Ardennes and urban locales. Notably, it features the renowned poem "Il pleure dans mon coeur..."

The collection features early works by Paul Verlaine, showcasing his distinctive voice that blends Romantic and Parnassian influences. First published in 1866, it reflects the impact of notable poets such as Baudelaire, Hugo, and Gautier. This debut marked the beginning of Verlaine's illustrious career, establishing him as a significant figure in French poetry. The poems explore themes of beauty, emotion, and the complexities of love, setting the stage for his later, more innovative works.

The collection features a selection of Paul Verlaine's most significant works, showcasing his unique lyrical style and mastery of rhyme. Included are poems from notable collections like Sagesse and Aquarelles, highlighting his place among 19th-century literary giants. This edition pairs the original French text with English translations by Arthur Symons, enhancing the reading experience. It also offers two insightful introductions and illustrations, making it a comprehensive resource for both new readers and those familiar with Verlaine's poetry.

`Verlaine, possessed by the madnesses of love, brimming over with desires and prayers, the rebel railing against the complacent platitudes of society, of love, of language'. Jean Rousselot Verlaine ranks alongside Baudelaire, Mallarmé, and Rimbaud as one of the most outstanding poets of late nineteenth-century France whose work is associated with the early Symbolists, the Decadents, and the Parnassiens. Remarkable not only for his delicacy and exquisitely crafted verse, Verlaine is also the poet of strong emotions and appetites, with an unrivalled gift for the sheer music of poetry, and an inventive approach to its technique. This bilingual edition provides the most comprehensive selection of his poetry yet, offering some 170 poems in lively and fresh translations and providing a lucid introduction which illuminates Verlaine's poetic form within the context of French Impressionism and the poetry of sensation. Parallel text 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.