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Letters to a Young Poet

by Rainer Maria Rilke

Letters to a Young Poet Cover

 

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet are arguably the most famous and beloved letters of the twentieth century.

Written when the poet was himself still a young man, with most of his greatest work before him, they were addressed to a student who had sent Rilke some of his own writing, asking for advice on becoming a writer. The two never met, but over a period of several years Rilke wrote him these ten letters, which have been cherished by hundreds of thousands of readers for what Stephen Mitchell calls in his Foreword that "vibrant and deeply felt experience of life" that informs them.

Eloquent and personal, Rilke's meditations on the creative process, the nature of love, the wisdom of children, and the importance of solitude offer a wealth of spiritual and practical guidance for anyone. At the same time, this collection, in Stephen Mitchell's definitive translation, reveals the thoughts and feelings of one of the greatest poets and most distinctive sensibilities of the twentieth century.

Review:

"The common reader will be delighted by Stephen Mitchell's new translation of that slim and beloved volume by Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet...It seems to be the best yet." The Los Angeles Times

Review:

"Rilke's letters...have become classic statements of creative process and spiritual development....They help us to know ourselves." Milwaukee Journal

Review:

"Rilke's finely wrought advice about art, personal fulfillment, and love....This book is a very important addition to those who love Rilke." Choice

Synopsis:

Letters written over a period of several years on the vocation of writing by a poet whose greatest work was still to come.
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About the Author

Rainer Marie Rilke, the great Austro-German poet, was the author of many works including Duino Elegies and Sonnets to Orpheus.

Stephen Mitchell's translations include Ahead of All Parting: The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, The Book of Job, Tao Te Ching, and, most recently, Bhagavad-Gita. He lives in California.

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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
Condetector, January 2, 2012 (view all comments by Condetector)
Approximately 25 years ago I received a card from a dear friend and mentor that included a short quotation about "living the questions" by Rilke. Even though I had no clue about the depth of the meaning,I found it intriguing to the point that it stuck in my head-- occasionally resurfacing.

Finally in 2003 my curiousity drove me to search for the source, causing me to purchase the book. In my solitude those haunting words surfaced with intense meaning to the point I began to quote a large part of page 34 frequently to various loved ones. Fast forward to January 1,2012, time for my annual evaluation;I recovered my priceless book from its place on my shelves. Having just finished reading Stephen Mitchell's introduction--I relate the ending: "And like a poem, it can mirror back to us our condition, changing as we change, clarifying as our vision becomes more clear, until its insights become as familiar and obvious as our own face." It has occurred to me that I have five special persons in my life who I plan to gift with Rainer Maria Rilke Letters to a Young poet, which is packed with useful gems. At age 82,I'm hoping the recipients will be impacted by its value much sooner than I.
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esmereldajones, March 31, 2009 (view all comments by esmereldajones)
An unsurpassed explanation of the virgin conception and the bringing forth of our imaged child from the sacred love of creation. A beloved, inspired being of the Higher Self.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780394741048
Translator:
Mitchell, Stephen
Publisher:
Vintage Books USA
Translator:
Mitchell, Stephen
Author:
Mitchell, Stephen
Author:
Rilke, Rainer Maria
Author:
Rilke, Ranier Maria
Location:
New York :
Subject:
Literary
Subject:
Continental european
Subject:
Letters
Subject:
Correspondence
Subject:
European - German
Subject:
Authors, german
Subject:
Rilke, rainer maria, 1875-1926
Subject:
Kappus, franz xaver, 1883-1966
Subject:
Authors, German -- 20th century -- Correspondence.
Subject:
Authors, German -- 20th century.
Subject:
Kappus, Franz Xaver - Correspondence
Subject:
General Literary Criticism & Collections
Subject:
Literature-A to Z
Copyright:
1987
Edition Description:
1st Vintage Books ed.
Series:
Vintage
Series Volume:
919
Publication Date:
January 1987
Binding:
Mass Market Paperbound
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Yes
Pages:
128
Dimensions:
6.92x4.18x.36 in. .15 lbs.
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Letters to a Young Poet New Mass Market
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Product details 128 pages Vintage Books USA - English 9780394741048 Reviews:
"Review" by , "The common reader will be delighted by Stephen Mitchell's new translation of that slim and beloved volume by Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet...It seems to be the best yet."
"Review" by , "Rilke's letters...have become classic statements of creative process and spiritual development....They help us to know ourselves."
"Review" by , "Rilke's finely wrought advice about art, personal fulfillment, and love....This book is a very important addition to those who love Rilke."
"Synopsis" by , Letters written over a period of several years on the vocation of writing by a poet whose greatest work was still to come.
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