Renowned for both his originality and disregard for tradition, Charles Baudelaire is considered one of the greatest poets and critics of the nineteenth century. More highly recognized for his poetry, Baudelaire's most distinguished publication was in 1857, entitled Les fleurs du mal, or The Flowers of Evil. His title to the published work suggested the darkness and cynicism, which was so prevalent in his life. And although his writings are often characterized by vulgar and perverse content, it is still to date among the most widely read and studied works. His radical themes, his innovative aesthetic ideas, and his cult of beauty all had phenomenal impacts on modern poetry. .
Charles-Pierre Baudelaire was born April 9, 1821. His father, more than twice the age of his mother, died just six years after his birth. Shortly thereafter his mother remarried to a man much closer to her age, Major Jacques Aupick. A brilliant, self disciplined man, Aupick would soon establish himself as a general, an ambassador, and also a senator; but despite his accomplishments, he gained an extreme dislike from his stepson. .
At the age of 12, Baudelaire was moved to Lyons where he was sent to a military boarding school. The strict regulations and demanding study habits of the school deeply influenced Baudelaire and further increased his abhorrence towards his stepfather. And three years later while enrolled at a well-known French high school in Louis-le-Grand, he grew even more insolent until he was finally expelled in 1839 [1 (pp 13-30)]. It was soon afterwards that Baudelaire declared, much to the chagrin of his parents, his intent to become a writer. Hoping to distract him, his parents sent him on a sea voyage to India. Cutting his trip short, Baudelaire, upon his return to Paris, became even more determined to devote himself to writing [3]. .
Baudelaire's immediate talent for writing enabled him to vary from different types of works.
