Against the Grain

In "Against the Grain," Joris-Karl Huysmans crafts a provocative exploration of aestheticism and decadence, encapsulated through the life of the reclusive Jean des Esseintes. This seminal novel, often categorized within the Symbolist tradition, artfully juxtaposes the inner thoughts of its protagonist with the external world, showcasing Huysmans' masterful command of stylistic experimentation. Thr...