Letters to a Young Poet

Born in Prague when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and recognized today as a master of verse, poet Rainer Maria Rilke was considerably less well known in 1902 when he received a heartfelt letter from an aspiring poet. A 19-year-old student sent Rilke some of his verses, seeking an opinion of their worth. Rilke declined to offer a critique, instead encouraging the student to rely upon his own inner judgment: ""Nobody can advise and help you, nobody. There is only one single means. Go inside yourself."" This seemingly dismissive letter proved to be the first of ten, written during a six-year period that coincided with an important stage in Rilke's artistic development. The poet offered his young correspondent further advice on developing a rich inner life as well as guidance on broader philosophical and existential issues. These letters, which explore many of the themes that later emerged in Rilke's best works, remain a captivating source of insights into the artistic identity and process.

Product details

• Authors: Rainer Maria Rilke, Rainermaria Rilke
• Publisher: Dover Publications Inc.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.05.2019
• EAN: 9780486831855
• ISBN: 978-0-486-83185-5
• No. of pages: 80
• Dimensions: 126 mm x 205 mm x 5 mm
• Series: Dover Thrift Editions; Thrift Editions; Dover Thrift Editions: Literar
• Subject: Fiction > Narrative literature > Letters, diaries