Duino Elegies & The Sonnets to Orpheus: A Dual-Language Edition (Vintage International)

I love Rilke's work and I think he was brilliant. This book has both of his finest works, in the Duino Elegies and the Sonnets to Orpheus. This book is reasonably priced and is a gem. Stephen Mitchell is phenomenal in his translating. I like this book so much that I ordered it as a gift for a friend. I didn't talk to my friend about because I didn't want him to think I'm pressuring him to read it, and I know he has a busy life. But since he appreciates art and spirituality, like I do, then it's a great addition to his library, and someday when he's looking for something challenging and profound to read, this book will be on his book shelf calling to him. I can't think of much relevant to say except, if you like Rilke, this is a fine book. One small issue I have is that the print is relatively small, so if you have poor eyesight like me, the small print more it more difficult to read. I'm thinking of getting magnified reading glasses, so the small print won't really be an issue for me. The reason I gave the book 5 stars is because I think this book contains very profound and very human and kind content, and makes me feel and think. One of the best modern poets in my opinion, and he's honest, knows the problems of life, yet endured and gave us poetry that can help us on our way to transformation.

Beautifully translated. Having the German text is major plus. It's depth and humanity are sublime. Now I know why Rilke's poetry is so well loved.

Poetry to get lost in. Lush, beautiful and somewhere on the boundary between what can be said and what eludes linguistic illumination. These are works to revisit again and again.

Far from perfect, this remains the one translation of the Elegies and Sonnets into English that is consistently viable and readable and manages to communicate some sense of the original.

Having both languages side by side, my professor found it sometimes better to switch to the German, as sometimes meaning is lost in translation. The translation is mostly perfect. Great work, very worth reading.

When I started Steven Mitchell's translation of the Odyssey I was at first disappointed. It just didn't seem as poetic as other translations. But I was quickly gathered in by it. It just made you want to keep reading whereas the more poetic ones were beautiful but often a struggle. Dunno Elegies and Orpheus are similar. He has an almost plain spoken style but you do get drawn in and it is very readable. My other version was translated by Poulin. Also good but different. I'm not done yet but I continually dip into it.

There are people who have lived on this earth who have achieved a deep insight into the human condition. This is a pretty amazing trip we are on. Ahh, just read this book. If I start into talking about it I won't get done anytime soon.

Great collection! I was surprised by the quality of the book. The paper looks sleek and matches well with the white cover.

Good condition. Nice print. Still to read

gift for frienf

Definitely the most inspiring poetry I have ever read. I am a professional musician and it has deeply influenced the way I do music. Thank you Rilke.

Wonderful book and translation, you have to read it! Rilke is a master in poetry and this translation is great

this translation is breathtaking in its poetic rendering which stay so close to the original