The novel explores the final hours of the Roman poet Virgil, who, while on his deathbed, contemplates the value and impact of his life's work, particularly his unfinished epic, the Aeneid. The narrative is a complex, stream-of-consciousness meditation on art, life, and death, with Virgil wrestling with his desire to burn his epic and the emperor's command to preserve it. The book delves into themes of the meaning of human existence, the role of art in society, and the clash between the individual's inner world and the external world.

The novel is a dark, poetic exploration of the criminal underworld in Paris, focusing on the life and fantasies of a homosexual prostitute and thief. The protagonist, while in prison, creates an elaborate fantasy world populated by outcasts, convicts, and murderers, including a transgender character who becomes his ideal of beauty and purity. The narrative is filled with graphic depictions of sex and violence, and explores themes of transgression, identity, and the transformative power of the imagination.

Two Serious Ladies is a novel that follows the lives of two women, Christina Goering and Frieda Copperfield, who are both on their own personal journeys of self-discovery. Christina, a wealthy spinster, decides to abandon her comfortable life to explore the darker side of society, while Frieda, a married woman, leaves her husband during a trip to Panama to pursue a relationship with a teenage prostitute. The novel explores themes of identity, sexuality, and societal norms, challenging traditional notions of femininity and respectability.

"Death Sentence" is a philosophical novella that explores the themes of death, love, and the nature of narrative. The story is divided into two parts, each focusing on a different protagonist who is dealing with the impending death of a loved one. Through their experiences and internal monologues, the novel delves into the complexities of human emotions and the existential dread associated with mortality. The narrative is further complicated by the author's experimental writing style, which challenges traditional storytelling conventions and encourages readers to question their understanding of reality.

"Arcanum 17" is a surrealist exploration of love, loss, and resurrection set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Melusina, the author uses the symbolism of this mythic figure to discuss the role of women in society and the destructive nature of war. The narrative also delves into themes of renewal, rebirth, and the power of the feminine, all while using the surrealist style to blend reality and dream in a poetic and philosophical discourse.

The book is a fictionalized account of the author's experiences in the criminal underworld of early 20th-century Europe. It is a narrative that delves into the life of a man who embraces his identity as a thief and a homosexual, exploring the intersections of crime, sexuality, and social defiance. The protagonist navigates through various relationships with fellow outcasts and criminals, while also confronting the moral codes of society. The work is known for its poetic and introspective prose, as well as its exploration of themes such as betrayal, freedom, and the search for beauty within the margins of society.

The book is a semi-autobiographical trilogy that explores the author's life in 1920s New York City. The protagonist, a struggling writer, navigates through his tumultuous relationship with his wife, his various extramarital affairs, and his quest for artistic freedom and personal identity. The narrative is characterized by its graphic depictions of sexuality, philosophical introspection, and critique of societal norms. The book is a testament to the author's rejection of conventional morality and his pursuit of a life driven by passion and creativity.

The novel delves into the inner life of Joana, a young woman with a complex and introspective nature, as she navigates the vicissitudes of her existence. Through a non-linear narrative and a stream-of-consciousness technique, the reader is immersed in Joana's thoughts and experiences, ranging from her childhood to her adult relationships, including her marriage to Otávio. The protagonist's search for meaning and understanding of her own identity unfolds in poetic and philosophical reflections, revealing the struggles of self-discovery and the desire to transcend the ordinary, bringing her metaphorically 'near to the wild heart' of life itself.

"Five Novels" is a collection of early 20th-century works that are known for their wit, high camp, and stylistic innovation. The novels are characterized by their eccentric characters, satirical take on high society, and exploration of sexuality and spirituality. The author's distinctive narrative voice and his use of dialogue-driven storytelling create a unique literary experience that is both humorous and poignant. The collection serves as a showcase of the author's talent for capturing the frivolities and foibles of the social elite, as well as his ability to craft narratives that are ahead of their time in terms of thematic content and narrative structure.

The book is an epic poem that blends the everyday lives of the city of Paterson, New Jersey, and its inhabitants with the personal reflections of the poet. It is structured in five books and a fragment of a sixth, each delving into the complex relationship between the individual and the urban environment, exploring themes of identity, modernity, and the role of the poet in society. The work is characterized by its use of collage, incorporating letters, newspaper fragments, and historical documents, creating a tapestry of voices and experiences that reflect the diversity and dynamism of American life.