1922 Rainer Maria Rilke Das Buch der Bilder Insel-Verlag German HC

Rainer Maria Rilke

Published by Insel-Verlag, Leipzig, 1922

About this Item

An attractive early Insel-Verlag edition of Das Buch der Bilder ('The Book of Images'), one of Rainer Maria Rilke's earliest and most beloved collections. First published in 1902 and substantially expanded in later editions, this volume contains many of the poems that introduced readers to Rilke's distinctive lyrical voice, blending symbolism, spirituality, childhood, nature, solitude, and religious imagery with extraordinary musicality. The elegant Insel-Verlag editions are prized by collectors for their fine typography, high-quality paper, and beautifully designed decorative bindings, making them enduring examples of early twentieth-century German bookmaking.

This example is an early 1922 Insel-Verlag printing, identified by the printing statement '20.-22. Tausend' on the title verso. The book remains in Near Fine condition. The richly patterned paper-covered boards retain vibrant color with only minor rubbing at the extremities and light wear to the corners. The black cloth spine is exceptionally clean with bright gilt lettering. The binding is tight, square, and sound. Internally, the pages are fresh and remarkably clean, showing only a few scattered tiny spots and two small bookseller pencil notations on the preliminary blank and title page, with no ownership inscriptions, foxing, or significant toning. An exceptionally well-preserved collectible example of one of Rilke's foundational poetic works.

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) is considered one of the greatest poets of the German language. His work bridges Symbolism and Modernism, combining philosophical depth with remarkable lyrical beauty. Das Buch der Bilder established many of the themes that would define his later masterpieces - including Neue Gedichte, Duino Elegies, and Sonnets to Orpheus - and remains one of the essential collections for readers and collectors of twentieth-century European literature.

Seller Inventory # NF.RIL.1922.1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: 1922 Rainer Maria Rilke Das Buch der Bilder Insel-Verlag German HC
• Publisher: Insel-Verlag, Leipzig
• Publication Date: 1922
• Language: German
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • Non-Fiction
  • Poetry