The Flowers of Evil (Les Fleurs du Mal) is a groundbreaking collection of poetry by Charles Baudelaire, first published in 1857. It is a seminal work of the Symbolist movement and a cornerstone of modern French poetry. The collection explores themes of decadence, eroticism, urban alienation, death, and the search for beauty amidst moral decay. Baudelaire's innovative use of language and imagery, coupled with his unflinching portrayal of human experience, challenged conventional poetic norms and shocked contemporary society. This edition features an insightful introduction by the renowned philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre, providing a deeper understanding of Baudelaire's profound influence on literature and thought.