Rainer Maria Rilke's Timeless Advice to Aspiring Poets: Letters to a Young Poet

J H: Good read

United States on Apr 29, 2023

Anna: If you have an appreciation for this sort of stuff you’ll love this

United States on Mar 01, 2023

Marra S: There is so much insight to draw from in these letters about being an artist. I also loved reading the chronicle which gave context about Rilke’s life during the time of each letter. This book really changes how I view many things in life and I’m so glad I read it. I think every artist should.

United States on Jul 24, 2022

Ian Acheson: A reviewer I read on purchasing the book mentioned that your expectations will determine whether you enjoy this small book. I expected something more inspirational, more soundbite-worthy, that would guide me to channel my passion for story into my writing. And I didn't really realise any of these but that is not Rilke's fault, rather my expectations.

The book is in 2 parts: the 10 letters to the young poet, Mr Kappus, and a kind of biographical rundown of Rilke's situation at the time he wrote each letter. I probably found the 2nd part more interesting after the first couple of letters.

I think I would have really appreciated reading Mr Kappus' letters to which Rilke responds. It's a bit strange only reading one viewpoint. Even though Rilke makes reference to some of the content in the letters, he often simply goes off on his own tangent which I frequently found a little tiresome.

I thought I'd gain some great wisdom on writing but after the first letter there's little about that - write because you have to write, not because you seek fame and fortune. It was funny realising that Rilke was a young man himself in his late 20s and he was sharing his...

Australia on Jun 06, 2021

KMKM: Background:

"Letters to a Young Poet" is a very short book first published in 1929. The book is comprised of ten letters written by Rainer Maria Rilke, a Bohemian-Austrian poet who died in 1926 from leukemia at the age of 51.

The letters in the book were written from 1903 to 1908, as Rainer reached his 30's, and were from a series of correspondence between himself and another Austrian named Franz Kappus, a 19-year-old aspiring poet studying as a cadet at a military academy, who had written to Rainer for advice about poetry, the direction of his life, love, and other things.

The letters from Rainer were published posthumously by Franz, who did not include his own letters to Rainer, but from Rainer's written responses you can determine what the correspondence was about. What unfolds in the letters is that Rainer takes on the role of an older brother and offers advice to Franz about poetry, art, love, and life in general.

Rainer's letters to the young cadet are still some of his most famous work more than a century later, due to their eloquence and sincerity.

My Opinion:

I just finished reading this M.D. Herter Norton translation of Letters...

United States on Mar 25, 2021

Anne Whight: Fascinating intimate look at the creative process, as seen through the eyes of a well known poet giving advice to a novice who in 1903 sent poetry to Rilke for his opinion. They continued to write over the next 5 years. It would have been interesting to read the novice’s reaction to Rilke’s letters, but we don’t. Rilke gives a clear picture of why a writer writes, as well as how he creates. His advice is timeless, but some of his social attitudes can be now seen, over a hundred years later, as outdated, but it’s still an interesting perspective of the time. Take a look at the overseas Amazon.com reviews below (average of 4.4 stars) to get a clearer picture.

Australia on Jul 28, 2019

Pedro: Received book and looks as expected. Enjoying the reading. :) Thank you.

Canada on Jan 28, 2019

The Charismatic Nerd: I bought this book after reading a post about it in Brain Pickings blog. The book is okay, but I was expecting a rousing read or at least one where I would get more wisdom out of it. It is a short read and a low price, so I don't regret buying. If you are looking for books by Maria Rilke, this book will give you the satisfaction of seeing his personal side. Your reason for reading this book will determine if you will enjoy it or not. I read it since I thought it would have some great advice or wisdom, but I only got one or two great points for it.

Canada on Jun 11, 2017

Jan Fretz: good

Canada on Apr 18, 2016

Laura Butler: Letters to a Young Poet is a short read that you can run your eyes and your soul over again and again! But just because it is a short read does not mean it has to be a quick read. Rilke's words were so rich and full that I had to read his letters slowly. I found I enjoyed savoring his beautifully sculpted words even though part of me wished to devour them.

Mr. Kappus, a young poet struggling with life in military school, discovers that he is enrolled in the same military school that Rilke used to attend. Therefore, he decides to seek Rilke's advice and opinions in his poetic endeavors through written correspondence. This book is a compilation of ten letters Rilke sends in response to Mr. Kappus's letters. After the letters themselves, the book builds background context to the letters by informing the reader about Rilke's life and state of mind during the time these letters were written.

I found this book inspiring and saddening at the same time. It isn't really the advice Rilke offers that I value and enjoy so much. My love for this collection of letters stems from the incredible word pictures that Rilke paints in my head and his touchingly sincere style of writing....

United States on Feb 17, 2007