Collected Poems

Arthur Rimbaud's Collected Poems brings together the complete poetic works of one of French literature's most influential voices. The collection spans Rimbaud's entire writing career, which lasted only five years during his youth. The poems range from his earliest verses to his groundbreaking works like "A Season in Hell" and "Illuminations." Rimbaud's evolution as a poet is evident through the progression of styles, from structured rhyming verses to experimental prose poems that helped establish new forms in French poetry. The collection includes both French and English translations, allowing readers to experience the original language alongside modern interpretations. The book contains extensive notes on historical context and translation choices. Themes of rebellion, transformation, and spiritual seeking run through these poems, marking Rimbaud's radical departure from poetic conventions of his time. His work continues to influence modern poetry through its innovative use of imagery and rejection of traditional forms.

Readers highlight Rimbaud's raw emotion, vivid imagery, and ability to capture teenage rebellion and disillusionment. Many note the power of reading his complete works in chronological order to witness his evolution as a poet before age 21. Readers praise: - The intensity and darkness of the language - His influence on modern poetry and punk rock - The parallel French/English translations - Paul Schmidt's translation maintains the original rhythm Common criticisms: - Some translations lose the musicality of the French - The density makes it hard to read in long sittings - Earlier poems can feel juvenile or underdeveloped - Certain editions have poor binding/print quality Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) Reader quote: "Like being hit by lightning - violent, beautiful, and transformative. His rage against society and search for transcendence still resonates." - Goodreads reviewer

Selected Poems by Charles Baudelaire The collection presents dark, surreal verses exploring decadence, symbolism, and urban life in 19th century Paris through a rebellious poetic voice.

Illuminations by André Breton This foundational surrealist text combines poetry and prose to create dreamlike sequences that break from rational thought and conventional language.

Season of Hell by Antonin Artaud The work chronicles a poet's descent into madness and spiritual transformation through experimental verse and fevered imagery.

Paris Spleen by Paul Verlaine These prose poems capture the bohemian life of Paris with observations of street scenes, characters, and moments of transcendence in urban settings.

Hymns to the Night by Novalis The sequence of poems merges mystical experience with romantic longing through symbolic language and spiritual themes.

🌟 At age 20, Rimbaud abruptly abandoned poetry altogether, never wrote another poem, and became a merchant and explorer in Africa 🌟 He wrote all his groundbreaking poetry between ages 15-19, revolutionizing French literature while still a teenager 🌟 "Collected Poems" includes his famous work "Le Bateau Ivre" (The Drunken Boat), written when he was just 16 years old 🌟 Rimbaud's turbulent relationship with fellow poet Paul Verlaine ended in violence when Verlaine shot him in the wrist during an argument in Brussels 🌟 His poetry heavily influenced the Surrealist movement, with André Breton declaring Rimbaud a "god" of the movement, despite Rimbaud predating Surrealism by several decades