Rimbaud Complete Works

This complete collection contains all of Arthur Rimbaud's poetry and prose works, written during his brief literary career from ages 16-21 in late 19th century France. The volume includes both his celebrated poems like "The Drunken Boat" and lesser-known pieces, presented in chronological order. The book features parallel French and English translations, allowing readers to experience Rimbaud's original text alongside modern interpretations. Extensive notes provide context about the circumstances of each work's creation and publication history. The collection demonstrates Rimbaud's rapid evolution from traditional verse forms to experimental prose poems that would influence generations of writers. His raw imagery and unconventional techniques broke from established poetic traditions of his era. Rimbaud's works explore themes of rebellion, sensation, altered consciousness, and the limits of perception - establishing him as a pioneer of modernist literature despite his youth and brief writing career. The texts reveal an artist pushing against societal constraints while searching for new modes of expression.

Readers value the comprehensive collection of Rimbaud's works and the inclusion of both French originals and English translations side-by-side. Many note the quality of Paul Schmidt's translations, which they say maintain Rimbaud's raw energy while staying accessible to modern readers. Likes: - Clear chronological organization - Thorough footnotes providing historical context - Inclusion of Rimbaud's letters - High-quality paper and binding Dislikes: - Some translations prioritize readability over literal accuracy - Missing some lesser-known works - Limited biographical information - Small font size in certain editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (380+ ratings) Notable review quotes: "Schmidt captures the musicality of the French without sacrificing meaning" - Goodreads reviewer "The side-by-side format helped me improve my French" - Amazon reviewer "Missing context for many references and allusions" - LibraryThing reviewer

Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire Baudelaire's collection presents dark, subversive poetry that influenced Rimbaud and shares the same pursuit of transcendence through disorder and extremes.

Selected Poems by Paul Verlaine Verlaine's works contain the same symbolic imagery and musical language as Rimbaud, reflecting their shared artistic vision and tumultuous relationship.

Alcools by Guillaume Apollinaire These poems continue Rimbaud's modernist tradition through fragmented narratives and surreal imagery that break from conventional form.

Paris Spleen by Charles Baudelaire This collection of prose poems established the form Rimbaud later mastered and explores similar themes of urban alienation and spiritual crisis.

Selected Poems by Stéphane Mallarmé Mallarmé's symbolist verses share Rimbaud's experimental approach to language and pursuit of pure poetry through abstract expression.

🌟 At age 20, Arthur Rimbaud abruptly abandoned poetry altogether, never writing again for the remaining 17 years of his life. 🌟 Rimbaud wrote most of his groundbreaking works, including "A Season in Hell," between the ages of 15 and 19. 🌟 His tumultuous romantic relationship with fellow poet Paul Verlaine ended violently when Verlaine shot him in the wrist during an argument in Brussels. 🌟 The poem "Le Bateau ivre" (The Drunken Boat) was written before Rimbaud had ever seen the ocean, based purely on his imagination and readings. 🌟 Rimbaud's poetry significantly influenced the Surrealist movement, with André Breton calling him "the god of adolescence" and featuring him as one of the four "L"s of Surrealism alongside Lautréamont, Latréamont, and Lenin.