Letters to a Young Poet

Rating:
Summary: Poor translation.
Review: First, let me say Rilke is one of my favorite poets. That being said...I was greatly disappointed in this translation. There are sections where it seems the translator simply grabbed a thesaurus or perhaps a German to English phrase book and in turn does not do Rilke justice. If you have read or are interested in reading LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET, I highly recommend the translation by Stephen Mitchell. Simply put, his is the best there is. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Insightful
Review: For poets and/or those interested in poetry, this one is worth the read.

Rating:
Summary: A book of great depth, and of profound intrest to all.
Review: Given to me by a wonderful new friend I was impressed that its concepts and precepts were akin to the Bible or The Book of Mormon. How refreshing to be affirmed that the answers are in us not just the questions. It should be read many times so the layers can unfold as the readers perspective changes.

Rating:
Summary: full of wisdom and insight
Review: I had already read this book a couple of months ago and was moved by Rilke's incredible wisdom. And just a few days ago, while I was preparing for a philosophy exam, I chanced upon this book once more and, seeing certain parallels between Rilke's words and other philosophers', truly understood and admired Rilke and his perspective on life. Rilke speaks of dragons in our lives... who could be princesses in disguise "...waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love..." This is one book that should be constantly reread and pondered on by anyone who wishes to move towards the true meaning of what it is to be human...

Rating:
Summary: One of the most important books I've ever read
Review: I have read, re-read and generally mutilated my copy of Rainier Maria Rilke's "Letters To A Young Poet". Rarely does a day go by without me thinking of Rilke's Nietzschean, no-holds-barred philosophy of the real poet. For him, a poet is no simply one who writes verses or rhymes words: it is a different kind of human being who embraces not only beauty and happinesss but suffering and misfortune. His thoughts on solitude are absolutely indispensable. Any artist or aspiring artist who has ever been in a fruitless relationship ("loss of the self" is a theme he explores almost obsessively) will realize that Rilke is writing through experience on the necessity of a good amount of solitude, both spiritual and physical, to create art. He is achingly honest to the poet with whom he is conversing, and passionately sincere. He knows that not every poet is a poet, and that some will find the Promethean task far too exhausting to actually go through with it: the real artist is the one who has no choice in the matter. His inner demons or angels will not ALLOW him to stop writing. Bukowski's thoughts on the matter are similar, as are most major writers and artist. This is a demanding, unforgiving collection of letters. Rilke has no patience for weakness or dilly dallying. But it is more inspiring than any self-help book on the shelf. This should be nationally distributed, not only for artists but for human beings as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most important books I've ever read
Review: I have read, re-read and generally mutilated my copy of Rainier Maria Rilke's "Letters To A Young Poet". Rarely does a day go by without me thinking of Rilke's Nietzschean, no-holds-barred philosophy of the real poet. For him, a poet is no simply one who writes verses or rhymes words: it is a different kind of human being who embraces not only beauty and happinesss but suffering and misfortune. His thoughts on solitude are absolutely indispensable. Any artist or aspiring artist who has ever been in a fruitless relationship ("loss of the self" is a theme he explores almost obsessively) will realize that Rilke is writing through experience on the necessity of a good amount of solitude, both spiritual and physical, to create art. He is achingly honest to the poet with whom he is conversing, and passionately sincere. He knows that not every poet is a poet, and that some will find the Promethean task far too exhausting to actually go through with it: the real artist is the one who has no choice in the matter. His inner demons or angels will not ALLOW him to stop writing. Bukowski's thoughts on the matter are similar, as are most major writers and artist. This is a demanding, unforgiving collection of letters. Rilke has no patience for weakness or dilly dallying. But it is more inspiring than any self-help book on the shelf. This should be nationally distributed, not only for artists but for human beings as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: My way of looking at life was changed
Review: I read this book when I was 18. A friend of mine recomended it to me. It was a great surprise from the first line. I read it in an afternoon, and could not forget it. All the phrases of advice were as if they had been written to me, as if my fears and lonely thoughts were there answered, in a poetic way, in a different way of looking at the things...giving importance to little things that usually are lost in this way of rapid movement

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written, timeless masterpiece
Review: I read this book when I was experiencing a crisis in my health and forced to make a career change. My biggest struggle was not knowing how things would turn out. His exortation to "try not to worry about the answers, but to love the questions," to paraphrase, sustained me through a long period of self-doubt and struggle. It remains one of my favorite books and one I recommend highly, especially to anyone facing a life transition.

Rating:
Summary: Rilkes book is not only for joung poets
Review: I read this short book of letters by Rilke twice last year and browse through it again and again. Indeed, Rilkes thoughts on man, life, the world are not ony for 'young poets' but are useful for any man. Akthough written at the beginning of this century, these thoughts are also a good guide for anyone living now. I don't need any commercial "Celestine prophecies" - I prefer Rilkes little book !

Rating:
Summary: The Artist's Bible
Review: I received this book as a gift from a very dear friend when I began seriously studying to be a conductor. Reading the words about solitude and strength and commitment to one's art has helped me through many rough times when I felt like giving up, and I keep the book close to my heart. I can't recommend this book too highly. If you aspire to be an artist of any kind - or just aspire to great things in life - you should read this book.