in literature. The opening of this work presents a preface rich in philosophical musings about literature and artistic expression. Gourmont reflects on the complexities of literary evolution, particularly the symbolism movement, which he argues strived to transcend traditional forms and embrace new, individualistic expressions of art. He contrasts the symbolist approach with that of naturalism, emphasizing the symbolic representation of ideas as essential to literature. Through this lens, he introduces the subsequent portraits of notable writers, hinting at a mix of admiration and critique for their contributions to the evolving landscape of literature during his time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)