The Illuminated; Or the Precursors of Socialism: Tales and Portraits

The Illuminated is a collection of poetic biographies by Gérard de Nerval, featuring six radical thinkers from Cagliostro to Restif de la Bretonne. It combines picturesque and pathos, blurring boundaries between mysticism and mystification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2022
Publisher: Wakefield Press

The Illuminated, a collection of poetic biographies by the prominent figure of French Romanticism, was first published in French in 1852. This remarkable work marked the beginning of a series of late masterpieces by Gérard de Nerval, culminating in his posthumous fantastical autobiography, Aurélia, in 1855. Within The Illuminated, Nerval presents the reader with a captivating collection of six portraits of individuals whom he mysteriously referred to as "precursors of socialism." These visionary men, who came together to shape an alternative history of France, serve as the backdrop to a mystical form of madness that Nerval ultimately claimed as his own.

In this captivating volume, Nerval introduces us to Raoul Spifame, a mad lawyer who deluded himself into believing he was Henry II. Alongside Spifame, we encounter the Abbé de Bucquoy, a man who fiercely opposed the monarchy and whose daring escapes hinted at the possession of magical powers. Moving into the 18th century, we meet Nicolas Restif de la Bretonne, a theosophist who defined God in human terms rather than spiritual terms. The Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, a renowned magus and alchemist, also makes an appearance, along with Jacques Cazotte, the author of The Devil in Love, who skillfully merged hermetic ideas with Catholic thought. Lastly, Quintus Aucler, a lawyer who sought to revive paganism in the tumultuous world of French society following the Revolution of 1789, completes this remarkable ensemble.

The Illuminated, an overlooked gem by Nerval, seamlessly blends picturesque and pathos, creating a peculiar gallery of portraits that blur the boundaries between mysticism and mystification. This extraordinary work showcases Nerval's exceptional talent for capturing the essence of his subjects, rendering them both captivating and enigmatic. Through his poetic prose, Nerval invites the reader to explore the depths of human imagination, challenging societal norms and exploring the uncharted territories of the mind.

Gérard de Nerval, a multifaceted writer, poet, and translator, possessed a unique blend of French and German Romanticism. His profound insights into mystic thought and his personal experiences with mental illness found expression in his visionary works, including Aurélia. Nerval's legacy continues to inspire and intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike, as his profound exploration of the human condition remains relevant to this day.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781939663740