Baudelaire is a 1994 biography by Joanna Richardson that explores the tumultuous life of Charles Baudelaire, the French poet known for Les Fleurs du mal. Richardson, a specialist in French literature, offers a meticulously researched narrative, applying a Freudian perspective to Baudelaire's complex relationship with his mother. The biography details Baudelaire's rebellious life, marked by his relationship with Jeanne Duval, addiction to opium, and his conviction for offending public morals. Despite some criticism for being overly detailed, the book is praised for its thoroughness and has become essential reading for students of Baudelaire’s life and work.
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