J.-K. Huysmans (1847-1907) changed from being an obscure author and art critic to one of the most famous authors of his day with the publication of A Rebours (Against Nature) in 1884. A Rebours is a ground-breaking novel which captures the decadent spirit of the day and marks his final break with Zola and naturalism. Dedalus have published 11 books by J.-K. Huysmans, 9 in new translations by Brendan King; Marthe, Parisian Sketches, The Vatard Sisters, Stranded (En Rade), Drifting, Against Nature, Las Bas, Modern Art and The Cathedral. In addition to En Route and The Oblate of St Benedict. Brendan King has translated 9 Huysmans titles for Dedalus.
Few late 19 Century art critics were more clearly on the right side of history than J.-K. Huysmans. To read his essay on the 'Exhibition of the Independents in 1880' is to discover in retrospect an anticipation of the 20th Century's aesthetic preferences...King displays both considerable knowledge and easy humour... -- Nicholas White, The Times Literary Supplement Le Paix, 1883