
To the Memory - of - Charles Baudelaire
THE BOOK OF JADE - PART ONE
THE BOOK OF JADE - PART TWO
Postlude
A dream‑like tapestry of verse unfurls, weaving together the opulence of Persian courts, the melancholy of French decadence, and the echo of ancient myths. The narrator drifts through a kaleidoscope of images—golden censer smoke, moon‑lit jasmine, and the haunting gaze of the goddess Ashtoreh—while questioning love, beauty, and the weight of endless knowledge. Each fragment feels like a whispered prayer or a sigh, inviting listeners to linger in the lush, rhythmic flow of language.
The work moves beyond simple poetry, becoming a contemplative meditation on ennui and desire, where the speaker’s weary voice alternates between reverence and rebellion. As the first part unfolds, listeners encounter a chorus of sonnets, ballads, and refrains that pulse with both sensual indulgence and philosophical doubt. The result is an immersive soundscape that balances sensual excess with quiet introspection, offering a richly textured experience for those who relish lyrical depth.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (70K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.)
Release date
Sep 10, 2014
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1878–1901
Best known for the haunting 1901 collection The Book of Jade, this American poet packed a strikingly dark imagination into a life that lasted only twenty-three years. His work is often remembered for its decadent mood, intense imagery, and sense of doom.
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