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Klappentext Huysmans's early works excel in their descriptive ability and he is one of the greatest authors in describing the life of Paris and its surroundings as witnessed by his Parisian Sketches (Dedalus translation by Brendan King in 2004). The publication of "A Rebours" in 1884! made Huysmans one of the most famous authors of his day. His novel about Satanism! "La-Bas" (1891) is surely the cult novel of the nineteenth century. (Brendan King's translation was selected by Beryl Bainbridge as one of the best books published in 2001 in "The Independent"). "La-Bas" is the first of four novels about Huysmans alter ego Durtal! which was followed by "En Route" (1895)! "The Cathedral" (1898)! and "The Oblate of St Benedict" (1903)! all available from Dedalus. Robert Baldick's "The Life of J.-.K.Huysmans" was published by Dedalus in March 2006.
About the author
J.-K. Huysmans (1847-1907) changed from being an obscure author and art critic to one of the most famous authors of his day with the publication of A Rebours (Against Nature) in 1884. A Rebours is a ground-breaking novel which captures the decadent spirit of the day and marks his final break with Zola and naturalism. Dedalus have published 12 books by J.-K. Huysmans, 11 in new translations by Brendan King; Marthe, Parisian Sketches, The Vatard Sisters, Stranded (En Rade), Drifting, Against Nature, Las Bas, Modern Art, Certain Artists, The Cathedral and The Oblate of St Benedict. In addition to an old translation of En Route which will be replaced by a new translation by Brendan King in 2023.
Robert Baldick's brilliant book The Life of J.-K. Huysmans was published by Dedalus in the autumn of 2005, updated and edited by Brendan King.
