Against The Grain, or Against Nature

Against the Grain, or Against Nature, published in 1884 by Joris-Karl Huysmans, is a seminal work of the Decadent movement. The novel follows Duc Jean Floressas Des Esseintes, a reclusive aesthete who attempts to create artificial paradises but ultimately fails, leading to his physical and mental decline. Notable for its exploration of synaesthesia and interior decoration, the book has influenced figures like Oscar Wilde and is recognized for its bizarre and provocative content. The translation by John Howard contains some omissions due to sexual themes.