Against Nature by Joris-Karl Huysmans
This wildly original fin-de-siècle book follows its sole character, a decadent aristocrat who retreats to an isolated villa indulging his taste for luxury and excess. The original handbook of decadence, this book enjoys a cult readership to the present day.
Against Nature by Joris-Karl Huysmans
Format: 12th paperback printing
Condition: Near fine, very light edge and corner wear.
Product dimensions: n/a
Publishing Info: Penguin, New York, 1987
Language: English
ISBN - 13: 9780140440867
Available via my network of independent booksellers at Biblio
With a title translated either as Against Nature or as Against The Grain, this wildly original fin-de-siècle novel follows its sole character, Des Esseintes, a decadent, ailing aristocrat who retreats to an isolated villa where he 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. The original handbook of decadence, Against Nature exploded like a grenade (in the words of Huysmans) and has enjoyed a cult readership from its publication to the present day.
About the Author:
n/a
Wiki entry on a Rebours or Agianst Nature
More historical literature on shop books
Available via my network of independent booksellers at Biblio
