Les Contemporains, 2ème Série: Etudes Et Portraits Littéraires

''Les Contemporains, 2ème Série'' by Jules Lemaître is a literary study written in the late 19th century. This work consists of critical essays and portraits of contemporary authors, highlighting their contributions to literature and their distinct styles. It explores the characteristics that define the literary landscape of the time, focusing particularly on poets like Leconte de Lisle and José-Maria de Heredia. The book is likely aimed at readers interested in literary criticism and the nuances of 19th-century French poetry. The opening of the book introduces the poet Leconte de Lisle, describing his work as both precise and serene yet often misunderstood by the general public. Lemaître discusses how Lisle's poetry, marked by its rigorous form and exotic subjects, appeals primarily to a select group of readers rather than the masses. The text delves into Lisle's affinity for ancient cultures and religions, portraying him as a modern poet whose aesthetic contemplation and inherent pessimism elevate his literary output. Lemaître contrasts this with the more emotional and lyrical traditions of his contemporaries, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of contemporary literary voices.