J.-K. Huysmans
Ruth AntoshA concise, cogent biography of influential modernist writer J.-K. Huysmans.
J.-K. Huysmans (1848–1907) now stands firmly recognized as a significant and influential writer, often hailed as a pioneer of modernism. While his novel À rebours (Against Nature) remains infamous for its decadent protagonist retreating into a realm of artifice and dreams, Huysmans’ literary contributions are far-reaching. Ruth Antosh explores Huysmans’ life and work, illustrating how they reflect France’s era of profound social and artistic change. In this context, Huysmans’ lesser-known writings, such as his correspondence, early fiction, art criticism and the esteemed mid-career novel En rade (Stranded), cherished by the Surrealists, demand greater critical attention. This biography compellingly argues that Huysmans’ life was an unwavering quest for spiritual and aesthetic fulfilment, evident through his meaningful friendships and prolific writings.
A concise, cogent biography of influential modernist writer J.-K. Huysmans.
J.-K. Huysmans (1848–1907) now stands firmly recognized as a significant and influential writer, often hailed as a pioneer of modernism. While his novel À rebours (Against Nature) remains infamous for its decadent protagonist retreating into a realm of artifice and dreams, Huysmans’ literary contributions are far-reaching. Ruth Antosh explores Huysmans’ life and work, illustrating how they reflect France’s era of profound social and artistic change. In this context, Huysmans’ lesser-known writings, such as his correspondence, early fiction, art criticism and the esteemed mid-career novel En rade (Stranded), cherished by the Surrealists, demand greater critical attention. This biography compellingly argues that Huysmans’ life was an unwavering quest for spiritual and aesthetic fulfilment, evident through his meaningful friendships and prolific writings.
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J.-K. Huysmans excels in bringing to life the author in his eccentric, sometimes disgraceful later years . . . Antosh paints in vivid detail.
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1 Beginnings
2 Under the Influence of Zola and Naturalism
3 À rebours and Beyond
4 Descending into Darkness: Là-Bas, the Abbé Boullan and the Occult
5 The Spiritual Journey Begins: Religious Retreats and Huysmans’ Conversion
6 In Search of a Monastery: The Road to Ligugé
7 The Final Years
Epilogue
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Ruth Antosh is Professor Emerita of French at the State University of New York at Fredonia. She is the author of Reality and Illusion in the Novels of J.-K. Huysmans (1986).