The unique novels of Joris-Karl Huysmans epitomise the aesthetic, spiritual and intellectual life of late nineteenth century France. He started his literary career as a follower of Émile Zola, before breaking away to publish a series of novels too decadent in content and violent in style to be considered works of naturalism. ‘Against the Grain’, Huysmans’s masterpiece, relates the experiments in aesthetic decadence undertaken by the wearied survivor of a noble line. Always autobiographical in content, Huysmans’ novels chart the development of a protracted spiritual odyssey, as the hero seeks happiness in spiritual and physical escapism. A perceptive art critic, Huysmans also helped win public recognition for the Impressionist artists. This eBook presents Huysmans’ collected (almost complete) works, with numerous illustrations, rare translations, informative introductions and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)
* Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Huysmans’ life and works
* Concise introductions to the major texts
* 6 novels, with individual contents tables
* Features rare novels appearing for the first time in digital publishing, including the author’s infamous first novel ‘Marthe’
* Images of how the books were first published, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts
* Excellent formatting of the texts
* Rare short stories and novellas available in no other collection
* Includes Huysmans’ rare non-fiction, including the Sainte Lydwine biography – first time in digital print
* Ordering of texts into chronological order and genres
CONTENTS:
The Novels
Marthe (1876)
Against the Grain (1884)
Down There (1891)
En Route (1895)
The Cathedral (1898)
The Oblate (1903)
The Shorter Fiction
A Dish of Spices (1874)
Sac au dos (1880)
Down Stream (1882)
The Non-Fiction
Sainte Lydwine of Schiedam (1901)
Critical Papers (1903)