Petrus Borel facts for kids
Joseph-Pierre Borel d'Hauterive, known as Petrus Borel (born June 26, 1809 – died July 14, 1859), was a French writer. He was an important part of the Romantic movement, a time when artists and writers focused on strong emotions, imagination, and nature.
Borel was born in Lyon, France. He was the twelfth of fourteen children in his family. He first studied architecture in Paris but soon decided to become a writer instead.
The "Wolfman" Writer
Petrus Borel was known for his unique and unusual style. His friends nicknamed him le Lycanthrope, which means "the wolfman." He was a central figure among a group of artists and writers in Paris called the Bohemians. This group lived in an unconventional way, often focusing on art rather than traditional jobs.
Borel's writing was very extravagant and eccentric. This means it was wild, over-the-top, and quite different from what most people were writing at the time. He wrote about dark and intense subjects, which made his work stand out.
Life and Challenges
Even though his writing was unique, Petrus Borel was not very successful at selling his books. He struggled financially for a long time. Eventually, his friends, including another famous writer named Théophile Gautier, helped him find a small job in the government.
Borel is also seen as a poète maudit. This French term means "cursed poet." It describes writers who are often misunderstood, live difficult lives, and might not be appreciated until after they are gone. Other writers like Aloysius Bertrand and Alice de Chambrier are also considered "cursed poets."
Petrus Borel passed away in Mostaganem, which is in Algeria.
His Works
Petrus Borel's writings include:
- Rhapsodies (1831)
- Champavert, contes immoraux (1833)
- Madame Putiphar (1839)
His life and work were later studied in a book called Petrus Borel: The Lycanthrope (1954) by Enid Starkie.
See also
In Spanish: Pétrus Borel para niños
