Against the Grain : Kessinger Publishing : 9781432612832 : 1432612832 : 01 Apr 2005 : Against the Grain: A Rebours is a novel written by French author J.K. Huysmans, first published in 1884. The novel follows the life of the protagonist, Jean des Esseintes, a wealthy and eccentric aristocrat who retreats from society to pursue a life of aestheticism and decadence. Des Esseintes is disillusioned with the modern world and seeks to create his own ideal world, filled with art, literature, and exotic pleasures. He spends his days indulging in his passions, such as collecting rare books, designing his own perfumes, and creating his own private garden. However, as time passes, Des Esseintes begins to realize that his pursuit of pleasure and beauty is ultimately empty and unsatisfying. Against the Grain is a groundbreaking work of literature that explores themes of isolation, decadence, and the search for meaning in a world that seems increasingly empty and meaningless.1922. Introduction by Ha