Letters to a Young Poet

Rainer Maria Rilke

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9780486831855
• eBook ISBN: 9780486839509
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: European Literary Collections
• Index: Literature

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Note
• Contents
• Translator’s Preface
• Translator’s Introduction
• Introduction
• The Letters
• Chapter I
• Chapter II
• Chapter III
• Chapter IV
• Chapter V
• Chapter VI
• Chapter VII
• Chapter VIII
• Chapter IX
• Chapter X
• Commentary
• Rilke in English