Paul Verlaine, Prince of Poets

Born Paul-Marie Verlaine on March 30, 1844, in Metz. His father was an army officer; his mother kept his stillborn siblings preserved in jars. A strange childhood foreshadowed a turbulent life.

The family moved to Paris. Young Paul excelled at school but discovered his passions: poetry and alcohol. Both would define his life.

Published his first collection, 'Poèmes Saturniens.' The melancholic verses showed Parnassian influence but hinted at the musicality to come. He was noticed.

Published 'Fêtes Galantes,' delicate poems inspired by Watteau's paintings. The musical verses established his unique voice. Critics took notice.

Married Mathilde Mauté, a young woman he had pursued obsessively. The marriage would prove disastrous for everyone involved.

Received poems from the seventeen-year-old Arthur Rimbaud. Stunned by their genius, Verlaine invited the provincial boy to Paris. Nothing would ever be the same.

Began his passionate affair with Rimbaud. He abandoned his wife and newborn son. The two poets lived wildly, scandalized Paris, and created revolutionary verse.

Wandered through Belgium and England with Rimbaud. Their relationship was intense, violent, and creative. They wrote some of their greatest poetry during this period.

In Brussels, drunk and desperate, Verlaine shot Rimbaud in the wrist. The wound was not fatal, but Verlaine was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison.

While in prison, 'Romances sans Paroles' was published. The musical verses, influenced by his time with Rimbaud, became landmarks of French poetry.

Experienced a religious conversion in prison. Found comfort in Catholicism. His later poetry would oscillate between sacred and profane, remorse and relapse.

Published 'Sagesse,' his collection of religious poetry. The verses revealed his prison conversion and struggle for redemption. Critics were uncertain how to respond.

Published 'Les Poètes Maudits' (The Cursed Poets), essays championing Rimbaud, Mallarmé, and others. The book helped define Symbolism and made Rimbaud famous.

Elected 'Prince of Poets' by fellow writers after the death of Leconte de Lisle. The honor was bittersweet: Verlaine was impoverished, alcoholic, and frequently hospitalized.

Paul Verlaine died on January 8, 1896, in poverty, in a Parisian garret. The Prince of Poets had outlived Rimbaud by five years. France gave him a state funeral.