La Rêverie Esthétique; Essai Sur La Psychologie Du Poète

A philosophical essay written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the psychology of poetry, exploring the nature and effects of poetic inspiration, the processes of imaginative creation, and the interplay between thought and emotion in the poetic experience. The opening of this work introduces the central theme of an introspective exploration into the psychological underpinnings of poetry as a unique state of consciousness. Souriau argues that poetry is intrinsically linked to a specific mode of thought he terms ''rêverie,'' or daydreaming, which serves as a bridge between intellectual activity and emotional experience. In the introduction, he establishes his method of inquiry, emphasizing the importance of personal observation of the poetic state while also drawing upon the works of poets and psychologists to supplement his analysis, seeking to highlight the unique beauty and emotional depth that characterizes the experience of poetry.