Arthur Rimbaud

Arthur Rimbaud

Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud (/ræmˈboʊ/ or /ˈræmboʊ/; ; 20 October 1854 – 10 November 1891) was a French poet. Born in Charleville, Ardennes, he produced his works while still in his late teens—Victor Hugo described him at the time as "an infant Shakespeare"—and gave up creative writing altogether before the age of 20. As part of the decadent movement, Rimbaud influenced modern literature, music, and arts, and prefigured surrealism.

Rimbaud was known to have been a libertine and restless soul, travelling extensively on three continents before his death from cancer just after his 37th birthday.