Princeton University Press Paul Valery Collected Works Vol 1 - Poems (Bollingen Series)

Explore the profound lyricism of Paul Valery in this essential volume from the Bollingen Series. Published by Princeton University Press, this collection brings together a wide range of poetic works, from major masterpieces like "La Jeune Parque" and "Le Cimetiere marin" to lighter verses found in personal letters, book dedications, and inscriptions. This bilingual edition is designed for deep study and appreciation. It features English translations by David Paul positioned directly facing the original French texts. Beyond the poems, readers gain insight into Valery's creative process through the included autobiographical "Recollection" and selected excerpts from his notebooks, translated by James Lawler. Valery turned to the discipline of poetry during the First World War as a way to find refuge from the commotion of a world gone mad. This volume offers a window into that journey, providing both the finished art and the reflections that shaped his poetic voice. It is a valuable resource for students of literature, history, and French poetry.