Product Description

From the artistic passion of the St Petersburg poets and bohemians, to the collective suffering of a nation through this turbulent century, Akhmatova spoke to, and for, the soul of her people. Born in 1889, Anna survived upheavals, refusing to abandon either Russia or her craft despite vicious attacks on her name and censorship of her work. When committing poems to paper threatened to cause her arrest, a few close friends faithfully memorized her lines. By the time she died in 1966, Anna was recognized as one of the world's great poets. This book contains 800 of her poems, an extensive photo-essay, a preface by the translator, an introduction Anatoly Naiman (Akhmatova's literary agent during the 1960s), and a reprint of Isaiah Berlin's memoir of Anna from his book "Personal Impressions".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #492768 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-08
• Original language: Russian
• Binding: Paperback
• 988 pages

Customer Reviews

A remarkable collection of remarkable poems
This book has everything. Biographical details, a superb selection of photographs, comprehensive notes - and most importantly, hundreds of poems by one of the greatest poets of all time. All Akhmatova's known poems are included, from her carefree days as a young girl through her many romances and marriages to her old age. Most importantly, they are accurately translated from the Russian, without additions, subtractions or alterations. Akhmatova's majestic voice rings out clearly, from every page. There are extensive appendices to help the reader understand some of the more complex aspects and references in the poems. Anyone with even the slightest interest in poetry should buy this remarkable book.

one of the most beautifully produced books I have ever seen
I agree with the previous reviewer, and would only add that it's a book that should appeal to anybody who's interested in books. Indeed, with its photos, its stringent biography, its illustrations and its meticulous layout it's so obviously a labour of love you feel that a poet as great as Akhmatova has found a translator as great again - and as much of an artist. Forget the other translations of Akhmatova - this is the one to get, and put a plastic cover on. A model of a book.

A fine love poet
A large book, with everything one could wish for. A section of pictures and paintings of the poet are a welcome addition to a vast collection of poems.