The Collected Works of Walter Pater: The Collected Works of Walter Pater

This volume features the unfinished novel 'Gaston De Latour' by Walter Pater, showcasing his innovative literary style and profound themes.

This volume, The Collected Works of Walter Pater: The Collected Works of Walter Pater, introduces readers to the unfinished novel 'Gaston De Latour', which was first published posthumously in 1896. The text is enriched with a scholarly introduction, explanatory annotations, and critical apparatus that provide context and depth to Pater's work. As the first in a ten-volume series, it sets the stage for exploring the complex themes and stylistic innovations that define Pater's literary contributions.

Walter Pater, a prominent figure among Victorian writers, was known for challenging established norms in academia and religion. He championed the notion of 'art for art's sake' and pioneered the 'imaginary portrait' genre within prose fiction. His work in Gaston De Latour reflects a deeply personal narrative style, inviting readers into an intimate experience that resonates with emotional and aesthetic depth. Richard Le Gallienne praised the novel for its beauty and intricate detail, highlighting Pater's ability to create rich, evocative imagery.

This edition of Gaston De Latour includes six previously suppressed chapters, offering a more complete picture of Pater's vision. Now expanded to a third longer than the original posthumous release, it aligns closely with the tenets of artistic modernism. The work stands as a conceptual piece, representing an idea that, while not fully realized, remains open to various interpretations and creative possibilities.