The Poetry of Rilke

It would be a somewhat absurd and presumptuous enterprise to "review" Rilke himself, so to be clear, this is a review of this edition, which is superb. Facing-page editions are always the way to go for poetry translations, and it works here due to the excellent translations, a hit-or-miss enterprise in any translation of poetry. We finally have an expansive and affordable such collection of Rilke's work which is convenient for both English and German readers for those of the latter located where similarly high-quality editions are quite expensive. This edition is both cheap and light enough, without sacrificing translation quality or usability, to not fear taking on the train, to the woods, by the pool, etc. Of course this is not a scholarly, critical edition - that would be the Rilke-Archiv version of the Sämtliche Werke - but I am not a Rilke scholar, and the, once again, superb facing-page translation and low cost will allow me to share the joys of Rilke with English-only friends and students together, at the same time.

I am enjoying this book. It is in English and German!

I have found Edward Snow's translations to be by far the best with respect to poetic translations, certainly a much more difficult endeavor than merely producing a linguistic translation. Having been able to read Rilke alongside a native German, we both agree that Snow captures the essence of the poetry with his translations. I am very pleased with this new collection and once through it will compare it to Snow's earlier translations since it is mentioned in the forward that he has redone some of his earlier work, notably on the Elegies. As for the quality of the book, two things I would suggest to those who denigrate this volume. First, the publishing industry isn't what it once was, and with the advent of electronic media it is becoming increasingly more expensive to produce quality books, even in paperback format. I recall a time when a hardback book of this size would have cost only $10 or $20. Therefore caveat emptor, you pays your nickle, you takes your chances. Second, to use the oft quoted adage, one should not judge a book by its cover. I personally buy books for their content, not the binding. Lovers of good poetry will want to add this volume to their collections whether in hard or paperback editions.

Rilke's poems are beautiful, filled with spirit and wisdom. Highly recommend.

The paper is good quality and the cream color is easy on the eyes so the book is well-worth the price. (But if you want your new Rilke book to be in the best shape as possible then buying from a local bookstore while it's on sale might be a better option since you see what you're buying. The one I got have some blemishes but considered it was shipped in a paper bag and had no plastic seal, it's in a pretty good condition 😂 If you're fine with some wear or have better luck stat then buying here is also great, very convenient!)

Great translations and a great collection. Yes, it is true that even great publishers like FSG now no longer use cloth to cover their books, as in clothbound. They all uses cardboard now, which is cheap, unpleasant to hold and far, far, far less durable than cloth bound. It has caused me to drastically reduce the number of new books I purchase because it is just too depressing. At least the paperback version of this has the glossy cover that protects you a bit from the rough paper.

I'm delighted with this contemporary translation of Rainer Maria Rilke's body of poetry, and am looking forward to working my way through his poetry and savoring this updated understanding of the subtlety of his insights and artistry.

The only regret I have for not being determined enough and learn German beyond a beginner's level is that I will never be able to read Rilke in original. So, being told Snow's translation is the best English translation ...I searched for it specifically. I am glad for the advice as it not just a solid translation but poetry as well. The kind of translation that balances from and content in accord with the original. Plus it does have the benefit of enclosing the original for comparison or at least to give one a good sense of the original flow of spoken word.