Poems from the Book of Hours - 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

About the Authors

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926), the author of Sonnets to Orpheus, Duino Elegies, and Letters to a Young Poet, was one of the greatest poets of the German language.

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

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.

Edition details

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