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La-bas by Joris-Karl Huysmans

Joris-Karl Huysmans' shocking novel of an innocent's descent into a world of depraved, blasphemous rituals

Durtal, a shy, censorious man, is writing a biography of Gilles de Rais, the monstrous fifteenth-century child-murderer thought to be the original for 'Bluebeard'. Bored and disgusted by the vulgarity of everyday life, Durtal seeks spiritual solace by immersing himself in another age. But when he starts asking questions about Gilles's involvement in satanic rituals and is introduced to the exquisitely evil madame Chantelouve, he is soon drawn into a twilight world of black magic and erotic devilry in fin-de- si cle Paris. Published in 1891, The Damned cemented Huysmans's reputation as a writer at the forefront of the avant-garde and as one of the most challenging and innovative figures in European literature.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848 – 1907 in Paris) was a French novelist who published his writings under the name Charles-Marie-Georges Huysmans. He made a living as a civil servant in France for 30 years. Huysmans' writing is noted for its unique use of the French language, extensive vocabulary, descriptions, sardonic humor, and wide-ranging erudition. His work reflected his severe pessimism, which led him to Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy. His works later reflected his studies of Catholicism, religious conversion, and ordination as an oblate.

SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781598181319
ISBN 10 1598181319
Title La-bas
Author Joris Karl Huysmans
Condition Unavailable
Publisher Alan Rodgers Books
Year published 2006-08-01
Number of pages 240
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.