The Sonnets To Orpheus (English and German Edition)

Rainer Maria Rilke

ISBN 10: 0671557084 / ISBN 13: 9780671557089

Published by Simon and Schuster, 1985

About this Item

First printing. Translation by Stephen Miller of "Die Sonette an Orpheus" (Insel, 1923), with translator's introduction and notes. Volume, measuring approximately 5.75" x 9.75", is bound in quarter black cloth and light blue paper-covered boards, with stamped silver lettering to spine. Book displays very light shelfwear. Binding is firm. Interior is clean and bright. Dust jacket, with price of $13.95 on front flap, displays very light shelfwear. Jacket is preserved in mylar cover. 183 pages. One of the literary masterpieces of the century, this translation is now presented with facing-page German. To Rilke himself the "Sonnets to Orpheus" were "perhaps the most mysterious. in the way they came up and entrusted themselves to me, the most enigmatic dictation I have ever held through and achieved; the whole first part was written down in a single breathless act of obedience, between the 2nd and 5th of February, without one word being doubtful or having to be changed.".

Seller Inventory # ABE-1665038431572

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Sonnets To Orpheus (English and German Edition)
• Publisher: Simon and Schuster
• Publication Date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0671557084
• ISBN 13: 9780671557089
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

One of the literary masterpieces of the century, this translation is now presented with facing-page German.

To Rilke himself the Sonnets to Orpheus were "perhaps the most mysterious…in the way they came up and entrusted themselves to me, the most enigmatic dictation I have ever held through and achieved; the whole first part was written down in a single breathless act of obedience, between the 2nd and 5th of February, without one word being doubtful or having to be changed." With facing-page German.

Reviews

Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus (published 1923 in German) rank with the most distinguished works of modern poetry. Written in an extraordinary burst of inspiration, these poems reveal a vision of ``a mode of being in which all the ordinary human dichotomies (life/death, good/evil) are reconciled in an infinite wholeness.'' Stephen Mitchell's translations are masterful re-creations of the original, giving both precise renderings of Rilke's language and sensitive interpretations of his poetic intent. This fine dual-language edition is highly recommended. Ulrike S. Rettig, German Dept., Hervard Univ.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.