The Natural Philosophy of Love. Translated with a Postscript by Ezra Pound

Author: Gourmont, Remy de

Publisher: Boni and Liveright

Edition: First Edition, First Printing. [ref. Underhill]

Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: Poor

Dark green cloth with a paste-on spine title. 8.25 inches tall; 222 pages. ix, 222 pages. The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean; light, even age-toning. Moderate shelf handling wear. A partial dust jacket, no spine, with chips and wear.. The Natural Philosophy of Love (La Philosophie de l’Amour), written by the French symbolist writer Remy de Gourmont and translated into English by Ezra Pound in 1913, stands as a seminal work in both the literary and philosophical exploration of human love. It offers a unique and profound insight into the nature of romantic and erotic love, integrating psychological, philosophical, and aesthetic perspectives. In its time, the work was considered daring, and its significance transcends its period, contributing substantially to the modernist literary movement. The translation by Ezra Pound played a crucial role in introducing de Gourmont’s ideas to the English-speaking world, particularly to avant-garde writers and intellectuals of the early 20th century. Pound, a figure deeply invested in modernist aesthetics and literary experimentation, brought his own distinctive voice to the translation, making it not just a linguistic transfer but also an artistic transformation. In his version, Pound focused on preserving the subtlety and rhythm of Gourmont’s prose, contributing to the work’s aesthetic appeal. At the time of its publication, The Natural Philosophy of Love was regarded as both revolutionary and controversial. Its philosophical underpinnings, which examined the baser instincts of humanity and questioned the romantic idealization of love, contrasted sharply with the prevailing Victorian notions of purity, ideal love, and sexual propriety. The work resonated particularly within literary circles engaged in debates about the nature of human passion and its role in modern society. [Adapted from contemporary Literary reviews] Ref: Gallup A22a