Poems from the Book of Hours (New Directions Paperbook) - Softcover

Rilke, Rainer Maria

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811227588 ISBN 13: 9780811227582

Publisher: New Directions, 2018

Synopsis

One of the most powerful poetry collections of the twentieth century, now in a beautiful new edition 

Although The Book of Hours is the work of Rilke’s youth, it contains the germ of his mature convictions. Written as spontaneously received prayers, these poems celebrate a God who is not the Creator of the Universe but rather humanity itself and, above all, that most intensely conscious part of humanity, the artist. Babette Deutsch’s classic translations―born from “the pure desire to sing what the poet sang” (Ursula K. Le Guin)―capture the rich harmony and suggestive imagery of the originals, transporting the reader to new heights of inspiration and musicality.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The God they celebrate is not the Creator of the universe, but seems rather the creation of humanity: the artists. Rewarding alike for the richness of their harmonies and the suggestiveness of their imagery, these lyrics allow of interpretations acceptable both to the religious and to the philosophical mind.

About the Author:

RAINER MARIA RILKE (1875–1926) is one of the greatest poets who ever wrote in the German language. His most famous works are Sonnets to Orpheus, The Duino Elegies, Letters to a Young Poet, The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, and The Book of Hours.

Babette Deutsch (1859–1982) was a poet, critic, and novelist, as well as a translator.

About this edition

• Publisher: New Directions
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0811227588
• ISBN 13: 9780811227582
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64