Books

Small folio. (330 x 254 mm). pp. 244. Half-title with justification verso, inserted leaf with original colour etching by Chimot as frontispiece, printed title in red and black, dedication to Th�ophile Gautier, 'Au Lecteur' and Baudelaire's verse illustrated with 20 etchings in colour by Edouard Chimot (frontis. included), 'Table des Mati�res' and final leaf with achev� d'imprimer Loose as issued in original publisher's printed wrappers with titles in red and black to front cover and spine, burgundy board chemise with paper label with titles to spine and matching slipcase. From the edition limited to 500 numbered copies, with this one of 26 from the �dition de t�te on Japon Imp�rial with five planches refus�es (in three states), an original signed drawing for one of the plates and two additional suites of the plates, each with remarques. The material with this set includes: 1. 20 colour etchings as published. 2. 20 colour etchings with remarques. 3. 20 monochrome etchings with remarques. 3. 5 planches refus�es each in 3 state. 4. Original signed drawing for one of the prints.

"Les Fleurs du mal" (The Flowers of Evil) is a seminal work by Charles Baudelaire, first published in 1857. It stands as one of the most influential collections of poetry in the modernist movement, exploring the complexities of beauty, decadence, and the ephemeral nature of happiness within the urban landscape of 19th-century Paris. Baudelaire delves into themes of love, despair, existential angst, and the search for transcendence, using vivid imagery and innovative poetic techniques to convey his insights and emotions. The collection is renowned for its exploration of the concept of "spleen," a term Baudelaire uses to describe a deep sense of melancholy and disillusionment. This mood is contrasted with the "Ideal," representing moments of beauty, joy, and spiritual elevation. "Les Fleurs du mal" captures the duality of human experience—the coexistence of light and darkness, purity and corruption. Baudelaire's poems navigate the reader through the gritty realities of urban life, touching on themes of alienation, moral decadence, and the impact of industrialization, while also seeking beauty in the mundane and the morbid. Baudelaire's work caused a scandal upon its release, leading to a public obscenity trial and the condemnation of six of the poems, which were only reinstated in later editions after his death. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, "Les Fleurs du mal" has endured as a masterpiece of French literature, influencing countless poets and artists with its complex portrayal of human nature and its pioneering use of symbolist imagery. Through "Les Fleurs du mal," Baudelaire not only reshaped the landscape of poetic form and expression but also offered a haunting, visionary response to the discontents of modern life.