The Natural Philosophy of Love. by by Remy de Gourmont -Translated with a Postscript by Ezra Pound

“The Natural Philosophy of Love” by Remy de Gourmont is  a philosophical essay that explores love and sexuality through a naturalistic and psychological lens. It delves into the biological underpinnings of love, examining its manifestations in both human and animal behaviour. Gourmont’s work critiques moralistic views of love, arguing that understanding love requires recognising its animalistic nature and its role in sexual selection and reproduction. The book also explores the psychological and emotional aspects of love, including the roles of desire, pleasure, and intimacy in relationships. 

It stands as a seminal work in both the literary and philosophical exploration of human love. It offers a unique and profound insight into the nature of romantic and erotic love, integrating psychological, philosophical, and aesthetic perspectives. In its time, the work was considered daring, and its significance transcends its period, contributing substantially to the modernist literary movement. The translation by Ezra Pound played a crucial role in introducing de Gourmont s ideas to the English-speaking world, particularly to avant-garde writers and intellectuals of the early 20th century. Pound, a figure deeply invested in modernist aesthetics and literary experimentation, brought his own distinctive voice to the translation, making it not just a linguistic transfer but also an artistic transformation. In his version, Pound focused on preserving the subtlety and rhythm of Gourmont’s prose, contributing to the work’s aesthetic appeal. At the time of its publication, The Natural Philosophy of Love was regarded as both revolutionary and controversial. Its philosophical underpinnings, which examined the baser instincts of humanity and questioned the romantic idealisation of love, contrasted sharply with the prevailing Victorian notions of purity, ideal love, and sexual propriety. The work resonated particularly within literary circles engaged in debates about the nature of human passion and its role in modern society.

WARNING; May contain material that could cause offense to some readers. 18t.