Edgar Saltus was an American writer known for his stylish novels and essays. He specialized in the decadent and cynical aspects of life, notably in works like The Philosophy of Disenchantment and Imperial Purple.
If you enjoy reading books by Edgar Saltus then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Edgar Saltus' exploration of decadence and refined aesthetics, you might enjoy Joris-Karl Huysmans.
His novel À rebours (Against the Grain) portrays the eccentric and isolated life of Jean des Esseintes, who rejects society in favor of sensory indulgences and artistic experiences.
Huysmans' detailed descriptions and psychological depth highlight themes of isolation, escapism, and artistic decadence.
Oscar Wilde offers witty, stylish prose filled with sharp social commentary. His novel The Picture of Dorian Gray examines moral corruption, vanity, and hedonism through the story of a handsome young man who remains physically unchanged despite his increasing inner depravity.
Wilde's clever dialogue and elegant style would appeal to readers who enjoy Edgar Saltus' sophisticated narratives and dark psychological themes.
Ambrose Bierce presents sharp satire, cynical observations, and vivid storytelling. Much like Edgar Saltus, Bierce explores darker aspects of human nature.
His short story collection Tales of Soldiers and Civilians features stories such as "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," blending disturbing themes with psychological depth and irony, accessible to readers who enjoy Saltus's exploration of human folly and life's absurdities.
James Branch Cabell crafts fantasy-rich narratives with satirical humor and a slyly sophisticated tone.
His novel Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice follows its hero, Jurgen, through an imaginative adventure filled with fantasy and romance as it examines themes of desire, morality, and illusion.
Cabell's playful yet thoughtful presentation of life's anxieties and dreams can appeal to readers drawn to Edgar Saltus's philosophical musings.
Arthur Machen is celebrated for atmospheric horror and supernatural storytelling rooted in subtle unease and mystery. His novella The Great God Pan subtly uncovers threats beyond the rational world, evoking a sense of hidden evil and forbidden knowledge.
Machen's skillful crafting of atmosphere and exploration of dark psychological themes can resonate strongly with those who enjoy Edgar Saltus's tendency towards macabre introspection.
M. P. Shiel writes stories rich in decadent imagery, strange ideas, and ornate language. Readers who appreciate Saltus will enjoy the unusual mood and eerie imagination in Shiel's fiction.
A great book to start with is The Purple Cloud, an intriguing novel about an explorer wandering through an empty, doomed world.
Count Stenbock writes dark, melancholic tales steeped in symbolism and decadence. His stories often explore morbid themes like obsession, decay, and the supernatural.
Fans of Edgar Saltus may appreciate Stenbock's gloomy prose and emotional intensity in Studies of Death, a strange and haunting collection of short tales.
Lafcadio Hearn often explores atmospheric, mysterious stories capturing exotic cultures and ghostly legends. Readers drawn to Saltus' exotic elegance and subtle moods will find similar resonances in Hearn's writing.
Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things is a noteworthy book full of beautifully written Japanese ghost stories brimming with delicate imagery and supernatural ambiance.
Arthur Symons is known for his vivid exploration of symbolism, aesthetic beauty, and the decadent lifestyle. His essays and poetry reveal an appreciation of sensory experience and emotional depth.
In The Symbolist Movement in Literature, Symons introduces readers to influential voices of decadence and symbolism, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy Saltus' style and literary taste.
Walter Pater's elegant prose celebrates artistry, individual experience, and aesthetic beauty. His ideas influenced decadent authors, and readers attracted to the sensuality and stylistic refinement in Saltus will also admire Pater's careful, graceful prose.
The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry is a classic exploration of beauty, sensation, and art, inviting readers to savor life's transient pleasures.
George Moore was an Irish writer known for novels marked by keen observation and introspective storytelling. His narratives often explore themes of human desire and personal conflict.
In Esther Waters, Moore portrays the life of a working-class woman whose struggles are depicted with honesty, clarity, and depth.
Gabriele D'Annunzio was an Italian poet and novelist famous for lush language and decadent themes. His writing style is sensual and ornate, often celebrating beauty, passion, and luxury.
His novel The Child of Pleasure presents the life of a young aristocrat in Rome whose existence revolves around art, pleasure, and romantic entanglements.
Pierre Louÿs was a French author who crafted poetic stories filled with sensuality, classicism, and vivid imagery. He typically explored themes of passion and sexuality, while evoking a sense of antique beauty.
His most famous work, Aphrodite, captures readers with its passionate tale of love and lust in ancient Alexandria.
Henry Harland was an American novelist whose writing displays refinement, humor, and a graceful charm. Although modern readers might find his style delicate and wistful, it captures insightful explorations of love and societal expectations.
His novel The Cardinal's Snuff-Box offers a delightful portrayal of romance unfolding amidst charming European settings.
Theodore Wratislaw was a British poet and writer associated with the decadent movement. His work features a fascination with sensuous beauty and aesthetic experience, often exploring darker emotional landscapes.
The poetry in Caprices captures Wratislaw's elegant yet provocative voice, inviting readers into a refined but unsettling world of sensation and introspection.