
This study invites listeners into the mind of the poet whose work reshaped modern literature. It examines how his imagination never hid behind vague implication but instead projected a clear, personal vision, comparing his method to that of Shakespeare, Balzac and other great innovators. By tracing his keen eye for society’s flaws and his deft, ironical condemnations, the narrative shows why his verses still echo with urgency.
The author weaves biography with criticism, revealing how intimate relationships—particularly with the enigmatic Jeanne Duval—sparked some of his most haunting images. Detailed discussions of his artistic circles, his aesthetic philosophy, and his place among contemporaries such as Poe, Swinburne and Blake illuminate the forces that shaped his singular voice. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of the poet’s restless spirit and the enduring power of his work.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (186K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marc D'Hooghe (Images generpously made available by the Internet Archive.)
Release date
2015-11-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1865–1945
A leading voice in the English Decadent movement, this Welsh-born poet and critic helped introduce French Symbolist ideas to British readers. His work moves between poetry, drama, and literary criticism, with a fascination for modern city life, music, and mood.
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