Bruges-La-Morte

Bruges-la-Morteis the story of one man's obsession with his dead wife and his soul's struggle between an alluring young dancerhis late wife's doubleand the beautiful, melancholy city of Bruges, whose moody atmosphere mirrors his mourning. This hallmark of Belgian symbolist literature, first translated into English by Philip Mosley to great acclaim twenty years ago, is now back in print for the next generation of English readers to discover. With penetrating psychological force and richly metaphorical language,Bruges-la-Mortedraws a haunting picture of love, grief, and murder in what has become a "dead city," severely Catholic and once proud. The source of the famous operaDie tote Stadtand endless inspiration for Belgian and French artists, this novella will enthrall both the imaginations and heartstrings of an Anglophile audience.

Georges Rodenbach (1855–1898) was a Belgian poet, essayist, playwright, novelist, and short story writer who was one of the leaders of the Symbolist movement. Philip Mosley is professor of English, communications, and comparative literature at Pennsylvania State University. He is the editor of Anthracite!: An Anthology of Pennsylvania Coal Region Plays.