Degeneration

Interesting Facts

• The book is a critique of decadent art and literature of the late 19th century.
• The author uses medical terminology and concepts to analyze cultural phenomena, claiming that many contemporary artists and writers suffer from mental illnesses.
• The book sparked significant controversy and debate in cultural circles of its time, as Nordau criticized such notable figures as Oscar Wilde, Richard Wagner, and Friedrich Nietzsche.
• Nordau asserts that decadent art is a symptom of the moral and cultural degeneration of society.
• The book was translated into numerous languages and had a significant impact on cultural and intellectual debates at the beginning of the 20th century.