Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98789 in Books
• Published on: 1996-04-01
• Original language: German
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 640 pages

Synopsis
Presents a collection of the twentieth-century German poet's collected and uncollected works, as well as passages from his novel, "The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge".

Customer Reviews

Absolutely magnificent
Very few translations of poetry manage to capture not only the content but the "feel" of the original text. Mitchell's rendering of Rilke is one of these rarities: without slavishly imitating Rilke's rhythms or attempting to pin down his sometimes elusive meanings, he's enabled the non-German-speaker to experience Rilke's poetry in spirit as well as sense. (I'm not a Rilke scholar, but I know enough German to read and appreciate the originals.) The notes are useful too -- sometimes an idea that Rilke expressed obliquely in a poem is much clearer in his correspondence! This volume contains all of Rilke's "major" poetry and selections from his prose, so it's a good, reasonably priced introduction to his work. (And the book has a good "feel" too -- heavy paper, clear type, a solid cover -- which is rare in these days of cheap computer-assisted printing!) This book belongs in the library of anyone who's serious about 20th century poetry -- and anyone who appreciates the art of translation.

Wonderful, essential collection of one of the greatest poets
This is one of my favorite collections of poetry. Excellent translation (though I'd recommend you collect several to get different views to clarify the exact meaning), very , very rewarding reading. A book I take with me when I travel. Highly recommended.