Against Nature

Explore the depths of decadence with Joris-Karl Huysmans' iconic novel, *Against Nature (A Rebours)*, a masterwork of fin-de-sičcle literature. This exquisite trade paperback edition published by Penguin UK delves into the life of Des Esseintes, a reclusive aristocrat who embraces an opulent sanctuary infused with art, rich fragrances, and a variety of sensual experiences. As he battles ennui and nervous excitability, readers are invited on a journey through a world of luxury and excess that translates timeless aesthetic pleasures into vivid prose. The 288-page narrative is expertly translated by Robert Baldick and features a new introduction by Patrick McGuinness, alongside Huysmans's original 1903 preface and critical reviews from literary giants like Zola and Wilde. This cult classic, known for inspiring the degeneration reflected in *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, is a must-read for lovers of classic literature and those intrigued by the exploration of beauty and its moral intricacies. Perfect for collectors and new readers alike, this edition brings a fresh perspective to a vital work in European literary history. Dive into the unique psyche of Des Esseintes and experience why *Against Nature* remains a celebrated cornerstone of aesthetic philosophy in print today. Enjoy FREE shipping with your purchase, ensuring this jewel of literature arrives right at your doorstep. Committed to quality and literary excellence, this offering is an essential addition to any book lover's library.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780140447637
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2003
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 288


Description:
Infamous as the inspiration for the novel which slowly corrupts Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray, Joris-Karl Huysmans' Against Nature (A Rebours) is translated by Robert Baldick with an introduction by Patrick McGuinness in Penguin Classics.
A wildly original fin-de-si cle novel, Against Nature contains only one character. Des Esseintes is a decadent, ailing aristocrat who retreats to an isolated villa where her indulges his taste for luxury and excess. Veering between nervous excitability and debilitating ennui, he gluts his aesthetic appetites with classical literature and art, exotic jewels (with which he fatally encrusts the shell of his tortoise), rich perfumes and a kaleidoscope of sensual experiences. Against Nature, in the words of the author, exploded 'like a meteorite' and has enjoyed a cult following to this day.
This revised edition of Robert Baldick's lucid translation features a new introduction and a chronology, and reproduces Huysmans's original 1903 preface as well as a selection of reviews from writers including Mallarme, Zola and Wilde.
Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848-1907) is now recognized as one of the most challenging and innovative figures in European literature and an acknowledged principal architect of the fin-de-si cle imagination. He was a career civil servant who wrote ten novels, most notably A Rebours and L -Bas.
If you enjoyed Against Nature, you might like Huysmans's The Damned (La-Bas), also available in Penguin Classics.


This product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.