Les saisons & les jours is a collection that refuses to sit still. Published in 1891, it's a mix of poetry and short prose pieces that capture the spirit of its time and its rebellious author.

The Story

There isn't a single plot. Instead, think of it as a walk through a year with a very opinionated, brilliant, and slightly unhinged guide. One moment, Tailhade is writing a stunning poem about the first frost or a summer sunset, showing a deep, almost religious love for the natural world. Then, in the blink of an eye, he turns his pen on the politicians, the church, the bourgeoisie, and the empty rituals of society. His satire is biting and often very funny. The 'story' is the journey of his mind, bouncing between awe and outrage.

Why You Should Read It

I loved it for its sheer nerve. Tailhade doesn't care if he offends you. He was a real-life provocateur (he once got arrested for a bomb plot!) and that energy is on every page. Reading him feels like discovering a secret history—this isn't the polished, safe 19th-century literature we often get. It's messy, passionate, and alive. You get the sense of a man who found the world both breathtakingly beautiful and deeply stupid, and he wasn't going to stay quiet about either feeling.

Final Verdict

This is for the curious reader who's tired of the usual classics. Perfect for anyone who enjoys poets like Baudelaire, or who finds the rebellious spirit of the Parisian avant-garde fascinating. It's also a great pick if you like writing that has real personality and bite. Just be ready for some strong opinions and a style that changes as fast as the seasons in the title.