Stableford, Brian: SALOMÉ AND OTHER DECADENT FANTASIES

Decadent literature is intrinsically and proudly, a literature of moral challenge; it is sceptical, cynical and satirical. It recognises that everyday morality does not work either in practical or in psychological terms, and is therefore a sham, but that ideal morality is - not necessarily unfortunately - unattainable.

The moral of a decadent prose-poem or conte cruel, if it has a moral at all, is likely to recommend that we should make the best compromises we can, recognise that they are compromises and refuse to be ashamed of them.

Decadent art is, however, dedicated to the smashing of all icons and idols, and it is always ready to attack stern moralists of every stripe; it is fiercely intolerant of intolerance and revels in the paradoxicality of such a stance.

AUTHOR:Brian Stableford

COVER: paperback

PAGES: 160

LANGUAGE: english