Eden: An Episode (ePub)

Edgar Saltus, an American writer known for his highly refined prose style and themes of decadence and aestheticism, was a vivid figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century literary world. Born on October 8, 1855, in New York City to a wealthy and influential family, Saltus pursued law at Columbia College, only to realize his true passion lay in literature. He travelled extensively in Europe, where he absorbed the works of the French decadents, which greatly influenced his own writing. His oeuvre is known for its dark romanticism and baroque flourishes, often exploring the paradoxes of human experience and the haunting transience of beauty and life. A prolific author, Saltus produced both fiction and non-fiction, with a notable work being 'Eden: An Episode' (1888), a novel which encapsulates his preoccupation with the disintegration of aristocracy and the ennui of high society. Similar themes pervade his other works, such as 'The Pace That Kills' (1888) and 'Imperial Purple' (1892), the latter being a testament to his fascination with historical figures and the inevitable decay of empires. Despite his erudition and distinctive style, Saltus did not enjoy widespread popularity during his lifetime, but he was held in high regard by fellow writers, counting Oscar Wilde among his admirers. Saltus's literary contributions, though not mainstream, continue to attract scholarly attention for their artistic value and insight into the fin de siècle sensibility. Edgar Saltus passed away on July 31, 1921, leaving behind a richly textured legacy in American letters that continues to be explored and appreciated.