Illuminations (Poésies complètes) is a stunning collection of poetry that truly showcases Arthur Rimbaud's genius. His use of vivid imagery and innovative language creates a surreal and dream-like atmosphere that captivates the reader from start to finish. Rimbaud's exploration of themes such as nature, love, and the human experience is both profound and thought-provoking. Each poem is a beautiful and enigmatic puzzle that invites multiple interpretations, making this collection a rewarding and immersive reading experience. Rimbaud's influence on modern poetry is undeniable, and Illuminations serves as a timeless testament to his enduring legacy. A must-read for anyone interested in the beauty and power of language.

Book Description:

Illuminations include some autobiographical allusions to his voyant (visionary) period, which began in 1869; but Illuminations is neither a confession nor an apology. Its several dozen short prose works and two free-verse poems transcend prose grammar by allowing their words to drift away from their dictionary definitions. Ever-elusive, relentless, overflowing with sinuous cadences, Illuminations transcends Une Saison en Enfer as it in turn had transcended Rimbaud’s early verses. Some scholars even propose that some of the Illuminations may have been written after Une Saison, which supposedly marked his farewell to literature.