The Flowers of Evil

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Charles Baudelaire James N. McGowan (Professor of English, Professor of English, Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois, USA)

The Flowers of Evil

Charles Baudelaire, James N. McGowan (Professor of English, Professor of English, Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois, USA), Jonathan Culler (Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Cornell University, USA)

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French

Worlds Classics
01 July 2008

Poetry; Poetry by individual poets; Reader; Poetry; French - Bilingual Reader; French - Reader

Series: Oxford World's Classics

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.

Find the eBook on VitalSource.ABOUT THE SERIESFor 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.

By: Charles Baudelaire
Introduction by: Jonathan Culler (Professor of English and Comparative Literature Professor of English and Comparative Literature Cornell University USA)
Translated by: James N. McGowan (Professor of English Professor of English Illinois Wesleyan University Illinois USA)
Imprint: Worlds Classics
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 195mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 338g
ISBN: 9780199535583
ISBN 10: 0199535582
Series: Oxford World's Classics
Pages: 464
Publication Date: 01 July 2008
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for The Flowers of Evil

'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