Éloges, and Other Poems

work by Saint-John Perse

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June 26, 2026

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Éloges, and Other Poems is an early work by French poet and diplomat Saint-John Perse, published in 1911. This collection, influenced by Symbolism, showcases Perse's developing personal style. His poetry is known for its precision, purity, and evocative imagery, often compared to that of Arthur Rimbaud. Perse's work is characterized by a hypnotic vision conveyed through liturgical meter and exotic vocabulary. While his language can be challenging for general audiences, his poetry is highly regarded by fellow poets. The term "eclogue" traditionally refers to poems depicting rural life, but has evolved to include pastoral poems with conversations beyond shepherds, sometimes with irony.12

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French literature
The legacy of the 19th century
…of childhood in Éloges (1911; Éloges, and Other Poems); and Rivière’s essays on painting, the Russian ballet, and contemporary writers showed an excellent critical mind seeking to hold together the aspirations and values of a society about to face one of its most serious challenges.
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…of childhood in Éloges (1911; Éloges, and Other Poems); and Rivière’s essays on painting, the Russian ballet, and contemporary writers showed an excellent critical mind seeking to hold together the aspirations and values of a society about to face one of its most serious challenges.
Read More