Translation Work on Baudelaire's 'Flowers of Evil' with George Dillon (1936)
Poet involved
What happened
In 1936, Edna St. Vincent Millay collaborated with George Dillon to translate Charles Baudelaire's 'Les Fleurs du Mal' into English, published as 'Flowers of Evil.' This project took place in New York and at their Steepletop home in Austerlitz, New York, showcasing Millay's literary prowess and her engagement with French literature. The translation helped introduce Baudelaire's influential work to a wider English-speaking audience.
Literary impact
This project showcased Millay's technical virtuosity and affinity for decadent themes of beauty, decay, and sensuality, influencing her own explorations of passion and mortality. It bridged her traditional style with modernist sensibilities and strengthened her bond with Dillon, providing creative sustenance during difficult health years. The translation expanded her international literary dialogue and affirmed her role as a skilled interpreter of European traditions.
Source: Wikipedia
