Rimbaud

Graham Robb's biography traces Arthur Rimbaud's transformation from a precocious student in provincial France to a groundbreaking poet in Paris. The book follows his intense relationship with Paul Verlaine and subsequent travels across Europe and Africa. Through extensive research and historical documentation, Robb reconstructs Rimbaud's life beyond the common myths and mischaracterizations that have accumulated since his death. The narrative covers both his literary period and his later career as a merchant and explorer in Africa. Robb examines Rimbaud's poetry alongside his life events, contextualizing the work within the social and political climate of 19th century France. His approach incorporates new archival findings and reassesses previous biographical assumptions about the poet. This biography presents Rimbaud as a figure who challenged conventional morality and artistic expression, ultimately influencing generations of writers and artists. The book explores themes of artistic rebellion, sexuality, and the tension between creative genius and ordinary life.

Readers note this biography presents Rimbaud through a clear historical lens rather than romanticizing him. Many appreciate Robb's detailed research and his focus on Rimbaud's business ventures and later life in Africa - aspects often overlooked in other biographies. Readers praise: - Extensive use of primary sources and letters - Debunking of common myths about Rimbaud - Clear chronological structure - Balanced portrayal of both literary and commercial pursuits Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Too much focus on historical context vs poetry analysis - Occasional speculation about Rimbaud's motivations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (517 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Robb strips away the legend to reveal someone far more interesting - a literary genius who became a shrewd businessman in Africa" (Goodreads reviewer)

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🌟 Graham Robb spent 15 years researching Rimbaud's life, including retracing many of the poet's travels across Europe on bicycle 💫 The book reveals that Rimbaud likely made his fortune in Africa not through gun-running as commonly believed, but through legitimate coffee trading and other merchant activities 🌟 Author Graham Robb discovered previously unknown letters from Rimbaud's time in Africa, shedding new light on his later years 💫 The biography explores how Rimbaud's famous relationship with Paul Verlaine began when Rimbaud was just 16, and Verlaine was a 27-year-old married man 🌟 Robb's research uncovered that Rimbaud continued writing poetry in secret long after his supposed complete abandonment of literature, contrary to popular belief