Absinthe in Literature – Modern Works
At its height in the second half of the 19th century, absinthe was more than just a drink: it attracted artists, poets and philosophers such as Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud and Oscar Wilde to cafes where they would sip it. Dubbed ‘une verte’ (‘the green one’) because of its color before water is added, absinthe also inspired Paris-based artists such as Degas, Manet and Toulouse-Lautrec who depicted fellow drinkers and its ritual paraphnalia: glasses slotted spoons and sugar cubes to soften its bitter bite while fountains would drip water into fountains to dilute it further.
Absinthe was at the root of numerous cultural movements and events during this period, from social unrest and union unrest, to women’s liberation and women’s emancipation. With wine too costly for poor people due to phylloxera’s impact in 1870s Paris boulevards became filled with absinthe drinkers.
This book details the history and legacy of absinthe, from its humble roots as an herbal tonic to its extravagantly morbid peak, exploring how its popularity inspired writers, artists and other cultural figures. A richly illustrated journey through absinthe subculture revealing myths and legends as well as historical facts; featuring colour reproductions of lithographs posters postcards antiques and other artefacts related to absinthe. A large coffee-table book that represents one of the first comprehensive studies into its era