The Flowers of Evil

Exploring themes of decadence, eroticism, and the human condition, this collection features nearly all of Baudelaire's poetry from 1840 to 1867. Initially published in 1857, it faced controversy for its bold imagery and was censored for immorality. The poems challenge traditional forms and delve into complex emotions surrounding suffering, death, and the quest for an ideal world. Its impact on the symbolist and modernist movements is profound, influencing prominent poets like Verlaine and Rimbaud. The bilingual format presents the text in both French and English.