Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) remains an influential figure in the pantheon of French literature, best known for his contributions to the development of modernist aesthetics and his vivid explorations of the complexities of urban life and the human psyche. Baudelaire's work is characterized by a rich, symbolist tapestry that often grapples with themes of decadence, eroticism, and existential despair. His most famous work, 'Les Fleurs du Mal' (The Flowers of Evil), published in 1857, incited controversy due to its candid exploration of taboo subjects and defiance of classical poetic conventions, and it eventually led to his prosecution for obscenity. This volume, alongside 'The Poems and Prose Poems of Charles Baudelaire', which includes a preface by James Huneker, showcases the breadth and depth of his literary achievements, presenting the poet's dynamic translation from verse to prose. Baudelaire's innovative lyrical prose pieces, known as 'Le Spleen de Paris' or 'Petits Poèmes en Prose', are a testament to his groundbreaking approach that sought to capture the ephemeral, fleeting moments of urban life. As a critical and often bleakly introspective poet, Baudelaire's style exerts a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers and poets, establishing him as one of the most compelling and complex figures in nineteenth-century literature.