This volume investigates the multifaceted nature of Decadence as a cultural, aesthetic, and literary movement spanning the late nineteenth century to the present day. Edited by Jane Desmarais and David Weir, the handbook compiles contributions from international scholars to map the movement's evolution across various national contexts and artistic mediums. The text argues that Decadence functions as a critical lens for understanding modern anxieties regarding progress, morality, and the decline of traditional structures.

Scholars and students of nineteenth-century literature frequently cite this work as a comprehensive reference for the study of Decadent aesthetics. Experts highlight the academic density of the prose and the breadth of the contributors' research as a standard for the field.