Ratings82
Average rating4.4
Originally written to a young man considering a career in the German military, Rainer Maria Rilke's beautiful letters explore a huge range of subjects delicately and with a passionate sensitivity. The recipient, Franz Kappus, began to send his poetry to the 27-year-old Rilke when a student, seeking advice. Their correspondence lasted from 1902 to 1908, and Kappus collated and published the ten letters after Rilke�s death. The letters contain insights which are as profound today as when they were written, touching on sexuality, love, creativity and other aspects of the human condition. The book is perenially and hugely influential in the US, where it enjoys the accolade of being Lady Gaga's favourite book.
Featured Series
12 primary booksPenguin Little Black Classics is a 12-book series with 12 primary works first released in -441 with contributions by David Morrell, Kakuzō Okakura, and Edgar Allan Poe.
Reviews with the most likes.
“Just as for a long time people were deceived about the movement of the sun, so we are still deceived about the movement of what is to come. The future is fixed, dear Mr Kappus, but we move around in infinite space.”
I know it's very Senior English Seminar of me, but I'll be damned if I don't find something new every time I re-read this