René Laforgue’s *The defeat of Baudelaire* offers a scholarly examination of the French poet’s life and work through the lens of early twentieth‑century psychoanalytic theory. Drawing on contemporary concepts of pathology and the emerging field of psychoanalysis, Laforgue probes the psychological forces that shaped Baudelaire’s artistic vision and personal turmoil. The study situates the poet within broader debates about the mind, creativity, and the limits of rationality, providing readers with a nuanced portrait that bridges literary criticism and psychological inquiry. Though rooted in its 1932 publication context, the book remains a valuable reference for those interested in the intersection of literature and the human psyche.