In nineteenth century Paris, the young bohemian Charles Baudelaire roams the streets. Dressed impeccably - thanks to an inheritance that is quickly vanishing - and lost in the decadences of alcohol and opium, he is about to meet one woman destined to change his life forever: the beautiful Haitian cabaret singer, Jeanne Duval.

Inspiring Baudelaire's most infamous poems - leading to the banning of his masterwork, Les Fleurs du Mal, and a scandalous public trial for obscenity - Duval becomes Baudelaire's muse, the catalyst for a legacy spanning centuries. Their volatile and passionate affair explodes through the Parisian literary scene but, as the ever-more fractious world catches up with them, the strength of their love will be tested to the end.

Unfolding among the bars and salons during revolutionary times, Black Venus is an intoxicating story of love and betrayal in which drugs, absinthe and lust prove the making, and the destruction, of a great poet.

Unfolding among the bars and salons during revolutionary times, Black Venus is an intoxicating story of love and betrayal and the destruction of a great poet

About the Author

James MacManus is the managing director of The Times Literary Supplement. After studying at St Andrews University he began his career in journalism at the Daily Express in Manchester. Joining The Guardian in 1972, he later became Paris, and then Africa and Middle East Correspondent. He is the author of several novels including Black Venus, Sleep in Peace Tonight, Midnight in Berlin and Ike and Kay. He lives in Dulwich, London.

Reviews

'James MacManus's Black Venus is a vivid re-creation of bohemian Paris in the middle of the 19th century... an engrossing, moving portrait of doomed love and genius' Sunday Times

'A vivid portrait of Paris during a turbulent period in its history, as well as an insightful exploration of the often self-destructive nature of genius' Mail Online

'This novel is a vivid recreation of a lost world; the Paris of La Boheme and George Du Maurier's Trilby, all cafes, ateliers and wild romance' The Times

'Black Venus is atmospheric and dramatic, with vivid period detail and, at its heart, doomed lovers who can neither live together nor be apart' TLS

'Poet Charles Baudelaire falls in love with cabaret singer Jeanne Duval, inspiring him to write Les Fleurs du Mal, for which he is tried for obscenity. The ensuing drama is vividly recreated' Vogue

'Although Jeanne disdained Baudelaire's work, she would be his muse throughout their complex and tempestuous affair. The novel explores their relationship and casts an interesting light on his much-maligned muse' Choice Magazine

'Beautifully capturing bohemian Paris in the late nineteenth century... MacManus... creates a gritty and engrossing world in this beautifully crafted narrative, which will leave readers swooning - and reaching for their favourite recording of La Boheme' Booklist (Starred Review)

'A beautiful and gripping novel. A world that will entice you in and keep you reading until the end' Kate Williams author of The Pleasures of Men

'Mixing fact and fiction, MacManus takes us on an exhilarating journey through the political, artistic and social changes of 19th century Paris whilst delivering a compelling and sympathetic re-telling of one of history's most notorious love affairs' Lancashire Evening Post

Book Information
ISBN 9780715647424
Author James MacManus
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Duckworth
Publisher Duckworth Books