Assembled from articles published in French journals, the full version of The Cursed Poets (Les Poètes maudits) was first published in 1888.. Rimbaud, the boy with whom Verlaine had had his infamous affair, Mallarmé, and Verlaine himself need little introduction; figures such as Tristan Corbière and Jules Laforge, a major influence on the poetry of T.S. Eliot, were lesser known at the time, but are now recognized as major figures. Marceline Desbordes-Valmore is still unknown outside the francophone world, though Goya painted her portrait and Stefan Zweig wrote a study of her. Villiers de L'Isle-Adam is an ultimate Symbolist, after whose drama Edmund Wilson titled his Axel's Castle. The translator lives in New York City.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a peek into poems and poets in Verlaine's life,
This review is from: The Cursed Poets (Green Integer) (Paperback)
I enjoyed this book as much for the rich poetry as for the authentic glimpse it gives of the poets who believed in art for art's sake. This bilingual (French and English) book will deeply interest readers who love the work of the early Symbolists, the Decadents and the Parnassiens. If French Impressionism with its sensuous tapestry of images does not tempt you, there are other reasons to dip into this book. There is historical background to the words introducing Verlaine's friends (the so called `cursed poets' whom he promoted via this book). The book made me look up more on each poet (some of them like Rimbaud and Mallarme are famous; the others did not achieve much fame). Reading the book one gets hints of the inter-relationships (sometimes scandalous liaisons) between them. I suggest read the book first and then follow its clues further for the full human interest.
What do poets pick up from their own verse to showcase their best talent to other poets? This is a book truly for, by and of poets. For non-poets like me, this book reveals the need of the poets to defend their work and their reputation. We read of Verlaine's dissatisfaction of being labeled `decadent'. We see the skilful use of words when he wants to highlight a poet's virtues. He does so subtly for greater effect. We enjoy the elaborate eulogies, which are rich in adjectives, too. If you love French Impressionism- you will enjoy each page. If you do not know French- this is the chance to get as close as possible in English to the real thing. If you do know French- you will enjoy the chance to compare the words and images in the two languages. The book is ideally sized (it fits the palm). I recommend the book as a romantic gift as well as one for serious literary pursuits.
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