Paul Verlaine

A biography written in the early 20th century that delves into the life and works of the French poet Paul Verlaine. The book offers an insightful exploration of Verlaine’s turbulent existence, his emotional struggles, and the profound impact of his poetry, highlighting the themes of yearning, vulnerability, and the duality of his essence as both a passionate artist and a troubled individual. In this biography, Zweig presents Verlaine as a complex figure marked by a constant battle between his artistic sensibilities and personal demons. The narrative recounts Verlaine's early life, his relationships with influential women, and his tumultuous affair with fellow poet Arthur Rimbaud, which led to violence and imprisonment. As the book unfolds, Zweig illustrates the evolution of Verlaine's work, his personal crises, and his eventual turn toward Catholicism, reflecting a poignant and tragic soul striving to articulate the depths of human emotion through his verses. The biography serves as both a tribute to Verlaine’s lyrical genius and a cautionary tale about the fragility of life, art, and love.