L' échec de Baudelaire is a literary study by René Laforgue that examines the life and work of the French poet Charles Baudelaire. Published in multiple editions between 1931 and 1964, the book explores why Baudelaire’s ambitious projects often fell short of his own expectations, considering his personal struggles, artistic ambitions, and the turbulent cultural milieu of nineteenth‑century France. Laforgue combines biographical detail with close readings of Baudelaire’s poetry and prose, offering insight into the poet’s sense of inadequacy and its influence on his creative output. The work remains a valuable resource for readers interested in French literature and symbolism, as well as the interplay between an artist’s self‑perception and his artistic legacy.