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Review Of Jean-Pierre Lecercle, Mallarmé Et La Mode, Marshall C. Olds

French Language and Literature Papers

Mallarmé et la mode is clearly a fundamental contribution to the literature surrounding La Derniére mode. Yet the book's importance goes beyond its stated subject because, quite simply, La Derniére mode is more than an isolated instance of mediocrity. The project was interrupted too early to have acquired a unique character and its editorial devenir has yet to be established. Moreover, following on the heals of “Toast funebre," the magazine helped inaugurate Mallarme's arrival in Paris and the widening of interests that would have a profound effect on his poetry. Under the spell of Mallarme himself in a way …