Arthur Symons (1865-1945) was a central figure in the cultural and social networks of the British fin de siècle. The essays in this volume reflect the breadth of Symons's interests, reassessing this dynamic writer who played a key mediating role between English and European literatures, and between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Discover the profound exploration of Charles Baudelaire's life and work in Arthur Symons's compelling biography, "Charles Baudelaire." This insightful volume delves into the complexities of Baudelaire's contributions to literature and his place in the realm of decadent art, offering a fresh perspective on the poet's enduring legacy. In "Charles Baudelaire," Symons examines the intricate relationship between Baudelaire's art and its often misunderstood, controversial themes. Through detailed analysis and reflection, Symons reveals how Baudelaire's work, alongside that of his contemporaries like Beardsley and Rops, stands as a testament to the eternal quest for beauty amidst the shadows of rebellion and moral ambiguity. What drives artists to explore the darker corners of beauty? Symons's exploration poses this question, highlighting how Baudelaire’s artistic sacrifices were not merely acts of defiance but rather profound contributions to the pursuit of eternal beauty. How do these themes reflect on the nature of artistic intent and the complexities of creative expression? Engage with the rich narrative and critical insights of this biography to better understand Baudelaire's revolutionary impact on literature and art. Symons provides a nuanced examination of how Baudelaire's poetry and artistic vision challenged conventional norms and carved a unique path in the literary world. Ready to delve into the enigmatic world of Baudelaire? Embrace the depth and beauty of his life and work with "Charles Baudelaire" by Arthur Symons. Discover the artist’s legacy through the eyes of a masterful biographer. Uncover the layers of Baudelaire’s artistry and influence. Purchase "Charles Baudelaire" today and immerse yourself in a scholarly exploration of one of literature's most intriguing figures.

In this informative new biography of Arthur Symons (1865-1945), the first since 1963, Karl Beckson mines much previously unpublished material to reveal new dimensions of Symon's life and art. As a critic and poet, Symons was a important influence in the development of early Modernism in England, and the impact of his major work, The Symbolist Movement in Literature (1899), and his personal relationships with such figures as Walter Pater, Paul Verlaine, W.B. Yeats, Joseph Conrad, and James Joyce, have assured him an important place in literary history. At the time of his mental breakdown in 1908--here told in harrowing detail--Yeats called him "the best critic of his generation." This stunning biography provides not only an account of Symons's career that confirms Yeats's judgment, but also the fullest record of his life to date.

The Art of Aubrey Beardsley is a study about English artist and illustrator Aubrey Beardsley, written by British editor and critic Arthur Symons. The book includes biographical essay and numerous illustrations by the artist. Beardsley's drawings in black ink, influenced by the style of Japanese woodcuts, emphasized the grotesque, the decadent, and the erotic. He was a leading figure in the aesthetic movement which also included Oscar Wilde and James McNeill Whistler.