J. K. Huysmans
J. K. Huysmans was a French author known for his novels that explore the intricacies of aestheticism and decadence in the late 19th century. His most famous work, 'À rebours' (Against Nature or Against the Grain), published in 1884, is often cited as a quintessential example of decadent literature and had a significant influence on the Symbolist movement in art and literature.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Against Nature
The novel follows the life of an eccentric aristocrat who retreats from society to live in isolation, dedicating himself to the pursuit of excessive aestheticism. He surrounds himself with art, literature, and music, and indulges in sensual pleasures and extravagant interior decoration. The protagonist's obsession with artifice over nature and his quest for absolute individualism and self-gratification are explored, reflecting the decadent movement of the late 19th-century France.
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2. Down There
"Down There" is a novel that follows the life of a Parisian novelist who is disillusioned with his mundane life and seeks solace in the occult. His journey leads him to a satanic priest who introduces him to the dark world of satanism. The protagonist becomes deeply involved in this world, experiencing hallucinations and disturbing visions. The book is a deeply psychological exploration of the human fascination with evil and the macabre, set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Parisian society.
