Baudelaire and the Poetics of Craft

Explore the intricate relationship between language and form in "Baudelaire and the Poetics of Craft," written by Graham Chesters and published by Cambridge University Press in 2011. This compelling study delves into how Charles Baudelaire masterfully manipulates the raw material of the French language, employing the formal structure of French versification to create profound poetic effects. With an insightful analysis of sounds, metrical units, rhymes, syntax, and overall structure, Chesters reveals the dynamic tension between irony and harmony that defines Baudelaire's work. Spanning 198 pages, this paperback is an essential read for anyone interested in poetry, literary criticism, and the rich history of 19th-century French literature. Discover the artistry of one of France's greatest poets through the lens of craft and poetics.