Angels of Perversity Book

Curiosity about Decadence as a genre led me to this book, which Dedalus has translated as part of a program to make the literature of the EEC states available in other languages. The book comes in two parts, Studies in Fascination, a series of short stories, and The Phantom, a novella running about 46 pages.

Almost all these stories are among the best short stories I've read, and if the book had been longer I would have given it five stars. As it stands, this collection leaves readers wanting more. Someone, look in the shelves and drawers and see if Gourmont left anything else behind!

The reputation for sexual frankness shouldn't leave people with the idea that the stories are salacious. The author is interested in the hand resting upon the thigh, not where that hand might go next. The writing is more sensual than sexual.

Two distinctive characteristics of the collection are the fusion of sensuality and death, and the fusion of sensuality and religion. I often quote from a book to give an example of the author's style, but that won't do here. The effect Gourmont achieves grows from the whole and can't be captured in short quotes. It's also not possible to describe precisely how religion and death factor in because they do so in unexpected ways that differ with each story.

What I can say is that this innovative collection is well worth reading, often outclassing later and better known books that broach the sex drive. Decadence is a style on the edge of literature that I hope will become more accepted and more widely read. Angels of Perversity is an excellent place to branch out from mainstream reading.