Remy de Gourmont's Couleurs. Contes nouveaux; suivis de Choses anciennes (Colors. New Tales; followed by Old Things) is a fascinating puzzle box of a book. It doesn't follow a single plot. Instead, it's a curated collection of his shorter works. The 'New Tales' are exactly that—short, often symbolic stories that feel like dreams or parables. The 'Old Things' section gathers earlier pieces, offering glimpses into his evolving thoughts on art, society, and the senses.

The Story

Don't look for a traditional beginning, middle, and end. Each piece in 'Couleurs' is its own little world. One might be a poetic meditation on a single color. Another could be a sly, almost cynical fable about love or vanity. Another feels like a private notebook entry dissecting an artistic trend. Together, they paint a portrait of a curious, critical mind observing the birth of modernism. The 'story' is the journey through Gourmont's unique perception.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it feels incredibly modern in its fragmentation. Gourmont isn't trying to give you answers; he's handing you intriguing questions and beautiful, sometimes bizarre, images. His prose is precise and often haunting. Reading it feels like uncovering a time capsule from a pivotal moment in art and thought. You get the sense of an entire culture questioning everything, with Gourmont as your witty and slightly world-weary guide.

Final Verdict

This is not a book for someone craving a fast-paced plot. It's perfect for readers who love the short stories of Borges or Calvino, for anyone fascinated by the Symbolist movement and fin-de-siècle Paris, or for people who just enjoy dipping into a book of rich, philosophical fragments. Think of it as a cabinet of curiosities for the mind—best enjoyed one piece at a time, with a strong coffee (or perhaps an absinthe) nearby.