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Black Venus James MacManus

Black Venus By James MacManus

Black Venus by James MacManus


$15.49
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Unfolding among the bars and salons during revolutionary times, Black Venus is an intoxicating story of love and betrayal in which drugs, absinthe and lust prove the making, and the destruction, of a great poet.

Black Venus Summary

Black Venus by James MacManus

In nineteenth century Paris, the young bohemian Charles Baudelaire roams the streets. Dressed impeccably - thanks to an inheritance that is quickly vanishing - and lost in the decadences of alcohol and opium, he is about to meet one woman destined to change his life forever: the beautiful Haitian cabaret singer, Jeanne Duval.

Inspiring Baudelaire's most infamous poems - leading to the banning of his masterwork, Les Fleurs du Mal, and a scandalous public trial for obscenity - Duval becomes Baudelaire's muse, the catalyst for a legacy spanning centuries. Their volatile and passionate affair explodes through the Parisian literary scene but, as the ever-more fractious world catches up with them, the strength of their love will be tested to the end.

Unfolding among the bars and salons during revolutionary times, Black Venus is an intoxicating story of love and betrayal in which drugs, absinthe and lust prove the making, and the destruction, of a great poet.

Black Venus Reviews

'Although Jeanne disdained Baudelaire's work, she would be his muse throughout their complex and tempestuous affair. The novel explores their relationship and casts an interesting light on his much-maligned muse'

* Choice Magazine *

'Mixing fact and fiction, MacManus takes us on an exhilarating journey through the political, artistic and social changes of 19th century Paris whilst delivering a compelling and sympathetic re-telling of one of history's most notorious love affairs'

* The Lancashire Evening Post *

'A beautiful and gripping novel. A world that will entice you in and keep you reading until the end'

* Kate Williams author of The Pleasures of Men *

'James MacManus's Black Venus is a vivid re-creation of bohemian Paris in the middle of the 19th century... an engrossing, moving portrait of doomed love and genius'

* Sunday Times *

'A vivid portrait of Paris during a turbulent period in its history, as well as an insightful exploration of the often self-destructive nature of genius'

* Mail Online *

'Poet Charles Baudelaire falls in love with cabaret singer Jeanne Duval, inspiring him to write Les Fleurs du Mal, for which he is tried for obscenity. The ensuing drama is vividly recreated'

* Vogue *

'This novel is a vivid recreation of a lost world; the Paris of La Boheme and George Du Maurier's Trilby, all cafes, ateliers and wild romance.'

* The Times *

'Black Venus is atmospheric and dramatic, with vivid period detail and, at its heart, doomed lovers who can neither live together nor be apart.'

* TLS *

'Beautifully capturing bohemian Paris in the late nineteenth century ... MacManus ... creates a gritty and engrossing world in this beautifully crafted narrative, which will leave readers swooning - and reaching for their favourite recording of La Boheme.'

* Booklist (Starred Review) *

About James MacManus

James MacManus is the managing director of The Times Literary Supplement. After studying at St Andrews University he began his career in journalism at the Daily Express in Manchester. Joining the Guardian in 1972, he later became Paris, and then Africa and Middle East Correspondent. His acclaimed debut work, Ocean Devil (2008), about the life of a young English adventurer in China was made into a film starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, The Children of the Silk Road. James' first novel, On the Broken Shore, was published in 2010. This was followed by Black Venus (2013) the story of the French poet Charles Baudelaire and his mistress Jeanne Duval, now in paperback. He lives quietly in Dulwich, London.

Additional information

GOR006536931
9780715649374
071564937X
Black Venus by James MacManus
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Duckworth Overlook
2014-02-27
368
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Black Venus