The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser E-Book

Aubrey Beardsley

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

Aubrey Beardsley's "The Story of Venus and Tannh√§user" is an exquisite reimagining of the legendary tale of the opera singer Tannh√§user, exploring the tension between art, desire, and moral conflict. Set against a backdrop of decadent aesthetics reminiscent of the fin-de-si√®cle movement, Beardsley employs his signature approach of detailed illustrations and striking imagery to amplify the themes of love and longing. The narrative oscillates between poetic lyricism and dramatic storytelling, emphasizing the eternal battle between earthly pleasures and spiritual redemption, making it a pivotal work in the context of Victorian literature. A prominent figure in the Symbolist movement, Aubrey Beardsley was influenced by aestheticism and the tensions present in Victorian society regarding sexuality and morality. His bold and often controversial illustrations have cemented his legacy as a transformative artist whose works forcefully challenge social conventions. The creation of "The Story of Venus and Tannh√§user" showcases Beardsley's fascination with the intertwining of seduction and sorrow, reflecting his own struggles with societal norms and personal health. This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersections of art and literature, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where beauty and tragedy coexist. Beardsley's vivid prose, complemented by his captivating illustrations, will resonate with anyone intrigued by the complexities of human desire and the eternal quest for artistic expression. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Leseprobe

Aubrey Beardsley

The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser

A Romantic Novel

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4057664620132

Table of Contents

THE STORY OF

VENUS AND TANNHÄUSER

GIULIO POLDO PEZZOLO

Now first printed from the Original Manuscript

LONDON

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION

MCMVII

FOREWORD

Only a portion of this work, Beardsley's most ambitious literary effort, has hitherto been printed, with the title "Under the Hill". The present work is a complete transcript of the whole of the manuscript as originally projected by Beardsley. It has been deemed advisable, owing to the freedom of several passages, to issue only a limited number of copies for the use of those literary students who are also admirers of Beardsley's wayward genius.

"La chaleur du brandon Venus."Le Roman de la Rose, v. 22051.

THE STORY OF

VENUS AND TANNHÄUSER

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A ROMANTIC NOVEL

TOTHE MOST EMINENT AND REVEREND PRINCEGIULIO POLDO PEZZOLICARDINAL OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCHTITULAR BISHOP OF S. MARIA IN TRASTAVEREARCHBISHOP OF OSTIA AND VELLETRINUNCIO TO THE HOLY SEEINNICARAGUA AND PATAGONIAA FATHER TO THE POORA REFORMER OF ECCLESIASTICAL DISCIPLINEA PATTERN OF LEARNINGWISDOM AND HOLINESS OF LIFETHIS BOOK IS DEDICATED WITH DUE REVERENCEBY HIS HUMBLE SERVITORA SCRIVENER AND LIMNER OF WORLDLY THINGSWHO MADE THIS BOOKAUBREY BEARDSLEY

TO

THE MOST EMINENT AND REVEREND PRINCE

GIULIO POLDO PEZZOLO

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Most Eminent Prince,

I know not by what mischance the writing of epistles dedicatory has fallen into disuse, whether through the vanity of authors or the humility of patrons. But the practice seems to me so very beautiful and becoming that I have ventured to make an essay in the modest art, and lay with formalities my first book at your feet. I have, it must be confessed, many fears lest I shall be arraigned of presumption in choosing so exalted a name as your own to place at the beginning of these histories; but I hope that such a censure will not be too lightly passed upon me, for, if I am guilty, 'tis but of a most natural pride that the accidents of my life should allow me to sail the little pinnace of my wit under your protection.

But though I can clear myself of such a charge, I am still minded to use the tongue of apology, for with what face can I offer you a book treating of so vein and fantastical a thing as Love? I know that in the judgment of many the amorous passion is accounted a shameful thing and ridiculous; indeed, it must be confessed that more blushes have risen for Love's sake than for any other cause, and that lovers are an eternal laughing-stock. Still, as the book will be found to contain matter of deeper import than mere venery, inasmuch as it treats of the great contrition of its chiefest character, and of canonical things in its chapters, I am not without hopes that your Eminence will pardon my writing of the Hill of Venus, for which exposition let my youth excuse me.

Then I must crave your forgiveness for addressing you in a language other than the Roman, but my small freedom in Latinity forbids me to wander beyond the idiom of my vernacular. I would not for the world that your delicate Southern ear should be offended by a barbarous assault of rude and Gothic words; but methinks no language is rude that can boast polite writers, and not a few have flourished in this country in times past, bringing our common speech to very great perfection. In the present age, alas! our pens are ravished by unlettered authors and unmannered critics, that make a havoc rather than a building, a wilderness rather than a garden. But, alack I what boots it to drop tears upon the preterit?

'Tis not of our own shortcomings, though, but of your own great merits that I should speak, else I should be forgetful of the duties I have drawn upon myself in electing to address you in a dedication. 'Tis of your noble virtues (though all the world know of 'em), your taste and wit, your care for letters, and very real regard for the arts, that I must be the proclaimer.

Though it be true that all men have sufficient wit to pass a judgment on this or that, and not a few sufficient impudence to print the same (these last being commonly accounted critics), I have ever held that the critical faculty is more rare than the inventive. 'Tis a faculty your Eminence possesses in so great a degree that your praise or blame is something oracular, your utterance infallible as great genius or as a beautiful woman. Your mind, I know, rejoicing in fine distinctions and subtle procedures of thought, beautifully discursive rather than hastily conclusive, has found in criticism its happiest exercise. 'Tis pity that so perfect a Mecænas should have no Horace to befriend, no Georgies to accept; for the offices and function of patron or critic must of necessity be lessened in an age of little men and little work. In times past 'twas nothing derogatory for great princes and men of State to extend their loves and favour to poets, for thereby they received as much honour as they conferred. Did not Prince Festus with pride take the master-work of Julian into his protection, and was not the Æneis a pretty thing to offer Caesar?