Senso: And Other Stories (Decadence from Dedalus)

Camillo Boito was an Italian writer whose work gained international fame after Visconti adapted his novella Senso into a film. This collection by Dedalus gathers his most celebrated stories from the fin de siecle period in Italy. The volume features tales that blend decadence with the macabre, often focusing on demonic elements and depraved female heroines. Boito’s writing achieved immediate popularity in its original context, appealing to readers who appreciated the darker currents of late nineteenth-century literature. The selection includes the novella Senso alongside other notable pieces such as A Corpse. This specific story presents a bizarre rivalry between an artist and a student of anatomy. Both men compete for possession of Carlotta, the dead mistress of the artist. The narrative explores themes of obsession and the objectification of the female form through death. Boito’s prose captures the aesthetic sensibilities of his time while pushing into supernatural territory. This book suits readers interested in gothic fiction and the history of horror literature. It appeals to those who enjoy character-driven tales with psychological depth and macabre settings. The collection is less suitable for readers seeking modern fast-paced thrillers or straightforward historical accounts without fictional embellishment. Boito’s work remains a distinct artifact of its era, offering a glimpse into the literary tastes of late Victorian Italy.