Rainer Maria Rilke's Duino Elegies are one of the great literary masterpieces of the twentieth century. Begun in 1912 while the poet was a guest at Duino Castle on the Adriatic Sea and completed in a final bout of feverish inspiration in 1922, the ten elegies survey the mysteries of consciousness, whether human or animal, earthly or divine.

Poet and translator Alfred Corn offers a fresh take on this cornerstone of German lyric poetry, bringing us closer to Rilke's meaning than ever before and illuminating the elegies' celebration of life and love. Also included are a critical introduction exploring the nuances of the translation, several thematically linked lyrics and two of the Letters to a Young Poet to complete the volume.

About the Author
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. Alfred Corn is a poet, novelist, and essayist. The recipient of fellowships from the Guggenheim, and the National Endowment for the Arts, he lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Reviews
"Corn's subtle and sinuous translation lets Rilke sing in English with the sensual undertones and lyrical precision that lend this masterpiece of world literature such resonance even today." -- Ulrich Baer



Book Information
ISBN 9781324005407
Author Rainer Maria Rilke
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 148g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 13mm