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The Damned

By Joris-Karl Huysmans
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Damned by Joris-Karl Huysmans explores the life of Durtal, a disenchanted writer who becomes deeply fascinated with the supernatural and satanic rituals. Set in late 19th-century France, the novel follows his journey into the dark side of spiritualism, leading him to uncover unsettling mysteries about human nature and faith. Through its exploration of decadence and spiritual crisis, the book offers a haunting portrayal of a man confronting the abyss.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5000

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the exploration of themes like spirituality, decadence, and the supernatural. It delves into the protagonist's struggle with faith and morality, offering rich descriptions and a fascinating depiction of the battle between good and evil. If you're drawn to stories that intertwine existential questions with vivid, gothic elements, this book may captivate your interest.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

J.-K. Huysmans's gaudy, shocking, and largely autobiographical novel, The Damned (La-Bas) was quickly condemned and just as quickly achieved cult status. It follows Durtal, a shy, censorious man, who is writing a biography of Gilles de Rais, the fifteenth-century nobleman, child-murderer, and supposed model for "Bluebeard."

Bored and disgusted by the vulgarity of everyday life, Durtal seeks spiritual solace by immersing himself in another age. But when he meets the exquisitely evil Madame Chantelouve, he is drawn inextricably into the twilight world of black magic and erotic devilry in fin-de-siècle Paris.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140447675

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 June 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Terry Hale
  • Translated by Terry Hale

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 320

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Joris-Karl Huysmans Literary Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction

About the Author

Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848-1907) is now recognized as one of the most challenging and innovative figures in European literature and an acknowledged principal architect of the fin-de-si cle imagination. He was a career civil servant who wrote ten novels, most notably A Rebours and L -Bas.

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