Rythmes Pittoresques

by Marie Krysinska, edited by Seth Whidden

Book cover: Rythmes Pittoresques

Extent: 186 pages

Publisher: University of Exeter Press

Subjects: Literary Studies

Series: Exeter Textes Litteraires

Language: English

(Paperback) (Published)

(January 2005)

ISBN: 9780859897112

5.87 x 9.02 inches

Price: $30.00

In stock

The poems in this book, first published in 1890, present not only a poet searching for a voice, but also a female poet searching for a voice while breaking down rules of both versification and gender-determined source of expression. They went straight to the heart of the male-dominated poetry of the time and effectively threatened its existence.


The poems in Rythmes pittoresques, first published in 1890, present not only a poet searching for a voice, but also a female poet searching for a voice while breaking down rules of both versification and gender-determined source of expression. They went straight to the heart of the male-dominated poetry of the time and effectively threatened its existence. Of the group of poets who were the first to write free-verse poetry in French – Marie Krysinska, Arthur Rimbaud, Jules Laforgue, Gustave Kahn – only Marie Krysinska (1857-1908) has not received critical recognition. Although it was quickly dismissed by critics simply because it was written by a female poet, Krysinska’s poetry gives insight into the creation of a new form of feminine expression as well as the persecution of the female artist viewed by her largely male peers, readership and competitors.

  • By (author) Marie Krysinska
  • Edited by Seth Whidden

"Seth Whidden's flawless edition of Marie Krysinska's first collection of poetry thus is timely and needed." Nineteenth-Century French Studies, Volume 33, Nos. 1 & 2, Fall-Winter 2004-2005 "Whidden's balanced approach to biographical issues prepares his equally careful exposition of Krysinska's critical reception in her day." Nineteenth-Century French Studies, Volume 33, Nos. 1 & 2, Fall-Winter 2004-2005 "This book provides an excellent resource for teaching and independent research ..." Nineteenth-Century French Studies, Volume 33, Nos. 1 & 2, Fall-Winter 2004-2005
—