The Flowers of Evil
Charles Baudelaire
Read by LibriVox Volunteers
The Flowers of Evil is a seminal collection of poems by Charles Baudelaire that delves into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of beauty, decadence, and the darker aspects of life. Originally published as Les Fleurs du mal, this work is a cornerstone of French literature and a significant influence on the symbolist and modernist movements.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris, Baudelaire's verses navigate the tension between the sublime and the grotesque, capturing the essence of urban life and the struggles of the human soul. His innovative use of imagery and form challenges conventional poetic norms, inviting readers to confront the dualities of existence.
With its rich exploration of eroticism and existential despair, The Flowers of Evil remains a thought-provoking and evocative collection that continues to resonate with audiences today. Baudelaire's masterful language and profound insights into the human condition make this work a distinctive and essential listen for poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Benediction | 5:19 | Read by sarahsyahiirah | |
| Echoes | 1:09 | Read by Andrew K Waugh | |
| The Sick Muse | 1:25 | Read by James Koss | |
| The Venal Muse | 1:20 | Read by Jairus Amar | |
| The Evil Monk | 1:20 | Read by Jairus Amar | |
| The Enemy | 1:19 | Read by Jairus Amar | |
| Ill Luck | 1:05 | Read by Salma Yasser | |
| Interior Life | 1:10 | Read by Amy Gramour | |
| Man and the Sea | 1:46 | Read by John E. Farrell (1961-2014) | |
| Beauty | 1:33 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| The Ideal | 1:12 | Read by Jairus Amar | |
| The Giantess | 1:13 | Read by Jordan Heron | |
| Hymn to Beauty | 2:44 | Read by James Koss | |
| Exotic Perfume | 1:32 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| La Chevelure | 2:44 | Read by sarahsyahiirah | |
| Sonnet XXVIII | 1:27 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Posthumous Remorse | 1:20 | Read by sarahsyahiirah | |
| The Balcony | 2:31 | Read by Salma Yasser | |
| The Possessed One | 1:10 | Read by KHand | |
| Semper Eadem | 1:21 | Read by James Koss | |
| All Entire | 1:41 | Read by Salma Yasser | |
| Sonnet XLIII | 1:32 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| The Living Torch | 1:31 | Read by Stav Berman | |
| The Spiritual Dawn | 1:15 | Read by James Koss | |
| Evening Harmony | 2:01 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Overcast Sky | 1:46 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Invitation to a Journey | 2:42 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| "Causerie" | 1:02 | Read by KHand | |
| Autumn Song | 2:46 | Read by John E. Farrell (1961-2014) | |
| Sisina | 1:06 | Read by KHand | |
| To a Creolean Lady | 1:03 | Read by KHand | |
| Moesta et Errabunda | 2:30 | Read by Maryanka | |
| The Ghost | 1:14 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Autumn Song | 1:58 | Read by John E. Farrell (1961-2014) | |
| Sadness of the Moon-Goddess | 1:08 | Read by Amy Gramour | |
| Cats | 1:25 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Owls | 1:08 | Read by James Koss | |
| Music | 1:12 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| The Joyous Defunct | 1:32 | Read by Stav Berman | |
| The Broken Bell | 1:08 | Read by Amy Gramour | |
| Spleen | 1:06 | Read by Andrew K Waugh | |
| Obsession | 1:28 | Read by James Koss | |
| Magnetic Horror | 0:56 | Read by KHand | |
| The Lid | 1:31 | Read by Phil Winkelman | |
| Bertha's Eyes | 1:06 | Read by KHand | |
| The Set of the Romantic Sun | 1:06 | Read by KHand | |
| Meditation | 1:54 | Read by John E. Farrell (1961-2014) | |
| To a Passer-by | 1:26 | Read by Stav Berman | |
| Illusionary Love | 2:01 | Read by Lea Salzano | |
| Mists and Rains | 1:53 | Read by John E. Farrell (1961-2014) | |
| The Wine of Lovers | 1:16 | Read by Shakira Searle | |
| Condemned Women | 3:00 | Read by Ken Masters | |
| The Death of the Lovers | 1:35 | Read by Ken Masters | |
| The Death of the Poor | 1:47 | Read by Ken Masters |
Reviews
Patrick Brostovich
Absolutely horrible. I cannot imagine listening Baudelaires poetry read by synthetic voice. Laughable