Three Poems from Les Fleurs du Mal

Charles Baudelaire

Published by Limited Editions Club, 1997

About this Item

When Baudelaire published the first edition of Les Fleurs du mal in 1857, the subject matter and the style touched off a scandal. The resulting outcries from some critics and his defense by others led to Baudelaire s trial for obscenity. He was ordered to pay a 300-franc fine and exclude six poems from the book. (Even his mother thought the poems were blasphemous.) Today, we can appreciate how Baudelaire extended the subject range of poetry. Inspired by Baudelaire s images, Henri Cartier-Bresson has chosen three poems from Les Fleurs du mal to illustrate with four photogravures. Among those banned in 1857 was Les Promesses d un visage ( What a Pair of Eyes Can Promise ). In the original French, with the English translation on facing pages. Four photogravures by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Edition limited to 300 numbered copies. Each book signed by Henri Cartier-Bresson. To produce the photogravures, each of Cartier-Bresson s negatives was transferred to a copper plate using gelatin-coated paper. This photogravure process is complex and painstaking, but can reveal details unseen in the negatives. Gravure plates were made and the prints editioned by Jon Goodman all on hand-made paper. Bound in red linen and presented in a red linen covered and lined case. One Volume, 13½ x 14½ inches. As the publisher, we unconditionally guarantee that all books are authentic and the condition is As New (NOS). Seller Inventory # ABE-1555792437983

Bibliographic Details

Title: Three Poems from Les Fleurs du Mal

Publisher: Limited Editions Club

Publication Date: 1997

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: As New

Signed: Signed by Illustrator(s)

Edition: 1st Edition