The Twilight of the Gods

Élémir Bourges

Long out of print in English, and here offered for the first time in a restored format The Twilight of the Gods, Élémir Bourges acknowledged masterpiece, was originally published in March, 1884, just two months before J.-K. Huysmans’ groundbreaking À rebours.

Both novels at once laid the groundwork for the Decadent Movement, and presented a striking challenge to Naturalism by, instead of depicting common existence, offering case studies of exceptional, extravagant beings.

In Bourges’ highly aesthetic work, we follow Charles d’Este, Duke of Blankenburg, who, along with his eccentric family, is exiled to Paris, where his excessive, luxurious lifestyle and the Wagnerian fate that follows him are like a chandelier falling from the sky.

About the Author
Élémir Bourges (1852-1925) was a French novelist closely linked with the Decadent and Symbolist movements in literature. His novel Le Crépuscule des dieux (1884) was highly influential, being much admired by such writers as Jean Lorrain, Édouard Dujardin, and Henri de Régnier. His other works include Les oiseaux s’envolent et Les fleurs tombent (1893), and L’Enfant qui revient (1905).

Paperback, 234 pages
Release date, June 27, 2019
Price: US$18.50

Hardcover, 236 pages. Limited edition of 70 copies
Release date, June 27, 2019
Price: US$34.00