‘Baudelaire in Chains is
written out of a poised indignation with the romantic image
of Baudelaire as a poète
maudit . . . Hilton believes that writers on Baudelaire
fail nto understand that he is a case history of opium addiction.
Baudelaire in Chains is simply that case history, using
evidence from Baudelaire’s letters and behaviour in the
light of modern knowledge of addiction, to make out a convincing
argument . . . Those poems which described the country trapped
in the brain, the impotence - and the sense of damnation
- seemed suddenly both more powerful and more moving in
the light of Baudelaire in Chains.’ - A.S.
Byatt, Guardian
It is commonly known that Baudelaire used opium. Many writers
have described him as being addicted to the drug, but few biographers
have fully understood the effect of opiate addiction on personality,
and, in the case of Baudelaire, the extent to which it damaged
his life and work. In this fascinating and original contribution
to Baudelaire studies Frank Hilton contends that the drug is
at the root of all Baudelaire’s problems and, in particular,
his chronic inability to apply himself to any prolonged creative
work which constantly tormented him.
Unquestionably, there is significantly more to Baudelaire than
his opium addiction. But a proper awareness of what it did
to the poet will help to illuminate those puzzling aspects
of his life and behaviour that have not previously been understood.
Aimed at the general reader, this book will give those who
know little or nothing about Baudelaire a comprehensive picture
of his life. To those who know a great deal it will present
him in an unexpected light.
‘A finely researched and fascinating thesis . . . To those
who feel they know Baudelaire well, Hilton’s book will
be seen as indispensable, breaking much new ground. To newcomers
to this man who wrote such glorious poetry it will be seen
as a humane re-evaluation of a confirmed genius’ - Birmingham
Post
‘Hilton argues powerfully and persuasively’ - Glasgow Herald
‘Un texte vivant et plaisant à lire . . . un angle
nouveau et original’ - L’Aventures d’Histoire
(France)
‘Very readable . . . convincingly constructs a pattern
of long-term addiction’ - Scotland on Sunday
‘There is something refreshing about Hilton’s anti-romantic
realism, his irreverence for the black-clad, solemn, self-dramatising
figure of the poète maudit’ - Independent
on Sunday
‘Casting new light on a great junkie poet.’ - Independent
Signed copies available. Email admin@peterowen.com for
details.
FRANK HILTON has written a number of drama series and
serials and translated documentary and feature films. His previous
book, The Paras, accompanied the highly successful BBC
television series. |
