Auguste Poulet-Malassis was a French publisher and bookshop owner who lived during the 19th century. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of French literature, particularly in the field of poetry.
Poulet-Malassis was born on May 16, 1825, in Orléans, France. In 1851, he founded his own publishing house in Paris, which quickly gained recognition as an important platform for avant-garde and innovative literary works. Throughout his career, Poulet-Malassis established close relationships with several renowned writers and poets, including Charles Baudelaire and Stéphane Mallarmé, who both played crucial roles in the literary movement known as Symbolism.
Poulet-Malassis rose to prominence with the publication of Charles Baudelaire's iconic collection of poems, Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil), in 1857. Despite initially facing controversy due to its explicit content, this work is now considered a classic of French literature. Poulet-Malassis's dedication to promoting unconventional and experimental literature earned him a reputation as a visionary publisher.
Tragically, Poulet-Malassis's publishing house faced financial difficulties, leading to bankruptcy in 1861. After his publishing career ended, he transitioned into bookselling and opened a bookshop, where he continued to support and nurture new and emerging literary talents.
Auguste Poulet-Malassis's contributions to French literature continue to be celebrated, as they played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the 19th century. His commitment to publishing groundbreaking works and his collaborations with influential writers cement his place in the history of French publishing.
