Aubrey Beardsley 
The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser 
A Romantic Novel

In ’The Story of Venus and Tannhäuser’ by Aubrey Beardsley, readers are transported to the medieval German legend of the noble knight Tannhäuser and his encounter with the goddess Venus. The book is a reinterpretation of a classic tale, showcasing Beardsley’s unique blend of decadent and erotic themes with intricate black and white illustrations, reflecting the author’s Art Nouveau style. Beardsley’s work is situated within the Aesthetic movement, known for its emphasis on beauty and art for art’s sake, making this book a prime example of the movement’s influence on literature and art in the late 19th century. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical prose, Beardsley creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly experience for the reader, inviting them to delve into the world of myth and sensuality.