At the start of the twentieth century, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote a series of letters to a young officer cadet, advising him on writing, love, sex, suffering and the nature of advice itself; these profound and lyrical letters have since become hugely influential for writers and artists of all kinds. This book also contains the 'Letter from a Young Worker', a striking polemic against Christianity written in letter-form, near the end of Rilke's life. In Lewis Hyde's introduction, he explores the context in which these letters were written and how the author embraced his isolation as a creative force. Charlie Louth's afterword discusses the similarities and contrasts of the two works, and Rilke's religious and sexual wordplay. This edition also contains a chronology, notes, and suggested further reading. Read more

Rilke's timeless letters about poetry, sensitive observation, and the complicated workings of the human heart.Born in 1875, the great German lyric poet Rainer Maria Rilke published his first collection of poems in 1898 and went on to become renowned for his delicate depiction of the workings of the human heart. Drawn by some sympathetic note in his poems, young people often wrote to Rilke with their problems and hopes. From 1903 to 1908 Rilke wrote a series of remarkable responses to a young, would-be poet on poetry and on surviving as a sensitive observer in a harsh world. Those letters, still a fresh source of inspiration and insight, are accompanied here by a chronicle of Rilke's life that shows what he was experiencing in his own relationship to life and work when he wrote them.  Read more

None

When a young student at a military school mails some of his poetry to the great poet Rainer Maria Rilke, seeking advice, he begins a series of correspondence in which Rilke expresses his deepest insights into the artist’s relationship with life, and the inner needs of the individual person growing towards maturity.Written in Rilke’s early, struggling years, Letters to a Young Poet is a work of beauty and urgency. Its discussion of the young poet’s difficulties in finding his identity and vocation, mirrored in Rilke’s own life, have resonated with generations of readers for over a century, and it stands as one of the most beloved and widely read sets of letters in the world.This new translation by Søren Filipski is both accurate and fluid, capturing the intense, rhapsodic energy of Rilke’s writing as well as the precision of his ideas. Read more

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic universe of Franz Kafka with this definitive collection, "Franz Kafka: The Complete Novels". Containing Kafka's most renowned works, such as "The Trial", "The Castle", and "America", this eBook promises to take you on a profound journey through the landscapes of existential angst and absurdity. Each narrative offers a mesmerizing exploration of individuals confronting alienation, guilt, and societal injustice, woven together with Kafka's signature surrealism and labyrinthine bureaucracy. These elements make Kafka's novels a masterclass in philosophical literature and a mirror reflecting humanity's existential dilemmas. For the discerning reader, "Franz Kafka: The Complete Novels" serves as a deep dive into Kafka's world, where ordinary circumstances dissolve into extraordinary existential quandaries. Augment your digital library with this comprehensive collection that encapsulates Kafka's artistic genius, the universality of his themes, and his unrivaled ability to question reality. Embark on the Kafkaesque journey of existential exploration, where reality is more bizarre than fiction. "Franz Kafka: The Complete Novels" - your gateway to the world of absurdist fiction. Content : Unhappiness The Judgment Before the Law The Metamorphosis A Report to an Academy Jackals and Arabs A Country Doctor In the Penal Colony A Hunger Artist The Trial The Castle Amerika A Little Fable The Great Wall of China The Hunter Gracchus The Burrow Read more

Materiales para un autorretrato reúne una serie de textos de Walter Benjamin —buena parte de ellos inéditos en español—, cuya producción se extiende desde sus años de juventud hasta su prematura muerte. El conjunto compone un gabinete de curiosidades en el que se abordan temas tan diversos como la grafología, la prostitución, el diletantismo, la astrología, el juego, el esnobismo, la fantasía, el nazismo, el socialismo, lo mágico, lo extrasensorial, lo onírico, lo esotérico, lo erótico e incluso lo humorístico. Benjamin se vale de géneros tan diversos como las cartas, los poemas, los aforismos, las crónicas, el diario personal, los diálogos filosóficos y las listas de tesis para discurrir sobre estas cuestiones. La combinación de estas piezas forma un retrato único y original, que se aleja de la imagen más extendida de uno de los máximos exponentes del pensamiento crítico del siglo XX. En términos de Marcelo G. Burello, "esta antología es para aquellos lectores que aspiran a vérselas con un Benjamin auténtico, y ante todo para quienes aún quieren sorprenderse con él, al punto de leer un volumen íntegro salido de su pluma como si fuera la obra de un extraño con un lejano aire de familia, un desconocido que resulta atractivo o interesante por un vago presentimiento". Read more

From the writer of the classic Letters to a Young Poet, reflections on grief and loss, collected and published here in one volume for the first time.“A great poet’s reflections on our greatest mystery.”—Billy Collins“A treasure . . . The solace Rilke offers is uncommon, uplifting and necessary.”—The Guardian Gleaned from Rainer Maria Rilke’s voluminous, never-before-translated letters to bereaved friends and acquaintances, The Dark Interval is a profound vision of the mourning process and a meditation on death’s place in our lives. Following the format of Letters to a Young Poet, this book arranges Rilke’s letters into an uninterrupted sequence, showcasing the full range of the great author’s thoughts on death and dying, as well as his sensitive and moving expressions of consolation and condolence.Presented with care and authority by master translator Ulrich Baer, The Dark Interval is a literary treasure, an indispensable resource for anyone searching for solace, comfort, and meaning in a time of grief.Praise for The Dark Interval “Even though each of these letters of condolence is personalized with intimate detail, together they hammer home Rilke’s remarkable truth about the death of another: that the pain of it can force us into a ‘deeper . . . level of life’ and render us more ‘vibrant.’ Here we have a great poet’s reflections on our greatest mystery.”—Billy Collins “As we live our lives, it is possible to feel not sadness or melancholy but a rush of power as the life of others passes into us. This rhapsodic volume teaches us that death is not a negation but a deepening experience in the onslaught of existence. What a wise and victorious book!”—Henri Cole Read more

A "delectable and profound" collection of poems from Nobel Prize–winner Szymborska (Booklist).When Here was published in Poland, reviewers marveled, “How is it that she keeps getting better?” These twenty-seven poems, as rendered by prize-winning translators Clare Cavanagh and Stanislaw Baranczak, are among her greatest ever. Whether writing about her teenage self, microscopic creatures, or the upsides to living on Earth, she remains a virtuoso of form, line, and thought.From the title poem:I can’t speak for elsewhere, but here on Earth we’ve got a fair supply of everything. Here we manufacture chairs and sorrows, scissors, tenderness, transistors, violins, teacups, dams, and quips. . .Like nowhere else, or almost nowhere, you’re given your own torso here,equipped with the accessories requiredfor adding your own children to the rest.Not to mention arms, legs, and astonished head. Read more

Winner of the 2016 Marfield PrizeIn 1902, Rainer Maria Rilke—then a struggling poet in Germany—went to Paris to research and write a short book about the sculptor Auguste Rodin. The two were almost polar opposites: Rilke in his twenties, delicate and unknown; Rodin in his sixties, carnal and revered. Yet they fell into an instantaneous friendship. Transporting readers to early twentieth-century Paris, Rachel Corbett’s You Must Change Your Life is a vibrant portrait of Rilke and Rodin and their circle, revealing how deeply Rodin’s ideas about art and creativity influenced Rilke’s classic Letters to a Young Poet. Read more

Dive into the enigmatic and thought-provoking world of Franz Kafka with "Franz Kafka: The Collection." This meticulously curated anthology brings together Kafka's most compelling works, offering a journey through the mind of one of literature's most influential and visionary writers.Unlock the Mysteries of the Human Condition with Kafka's Masterpieces!From the haunting transformation in "The Metamorphosis" to the gripping absurdity of "The Trial" and the labyrinthine enigmas of "The Castle," this collection encapsulates Kafka's unique ability to blend existential dread with surreal storytelling. Experience the profound and often unsettling insights into human nature, society, and the individual's struggle for meaning.What's Inside:Unhappiness: A poignant exploration of human despair.The Judgment: A powerful tale of familial conflict and guilt.Before the Law: A parable on the elusive nature of justice.The Metamorphosis: Kafka's iconic story of transformation and alienation.A Report to an Academy: A narrative of adaptation and identity.Jackals and Arabs: A stark allegory of cultural conflict.A Country Doctor: A surreal depiction of duty and helplessness.In the Penal Colony: A chilling critique of punishment and authority.A Hunger Artist: An artist's struggle with existence and recognition.The Trial: An unyielding narrative of bureaucratic nightmare.The Castle: A tale of unattainable goals and relentless pursuit.Amerika: A satirical take on the American Dream.A Little Fable: A brief yet profound allegory.The Great Wall of China: A reflection on monumental endeavors.The Hunter Gracchus: A mythic tale of eternal wandering.The Burrow: A deep dive into paranoia and isolation.Why You'll Love It:Engaging Narratives: Stories that capture and hold your imagination.Thought-Provoking Themes: Explore existential questions and societal critiques.Timeless Appeal: Kafka's insights remain relevant and impactful.Perfect for Fans and New Readers Alike: Whether you're a longtime admirer or new to Kafka, this collection offers a comprehensive look at his genius.Join the countless readers who have been captivated by Kafka's unparalleled storytelling. Order your copy of "Franz Kafka: The Collection" today and embark on a literary journey unlike any other.Content : Unhappiness The Judgment Before the Law The Metamorphosis A Report to an Academy Jackals and Arabs A Country Doctor In the Penal Colony A Hunger Artist The Trial The Castle Amerika A Little Fable The Great Wall of China The Hunter Gracchus The Burrow Read more

68 spiritual poems from the Nobel Prize-winning author of Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, and The Glass Bead Game—who inspired millions as he forged cultural bridges between the East and West.  Lyrical insights and wisdom for anyone seeking a more meaningful life, a reconnection with nature, and a deeper relationship with the divine. Vowing at an early age “to be a poet or nothing at all,” Hermann Hesse rebelled against formal education, focusing on a rigorous program of independent study that included literature, philosophy, art, and history. One result of these efforts was a series of novels that became counterculture bibles that remain widely influential today. Another was a body of evocative spiritual poetry. Published for the first time in English, these vivid, probing short works reflect deeply on the challenges of life and provide a spiritual solace that transcends specific denominational hymns, prayers, and rituals. The Seasons of the Soul offers valuable guidance in poetic form for those longing for a more meaningful life, seeking a sense of homecoming in nature, in each stage of life, and in a renewed relationship with the divine. Extensive quotations from his prose introduce each theme addressed in the book: love, imagination, nature, the divine, and the passage of time. A foreword by Andrew Harvey reintroduces us to a figure about whom some may have believed everything had already been said. Thoughtful commentary throughout from translator Ludwig Max Fischer helps readers understand the poems within the context of Hesse’s life. Read more

"This miracle of a book, perhaps the most beautiful group of poetic translations this century has ever produced," (Chicago Tribune) should stand as the definitive English language version. Read more

A new translation of Rilke’s classic elegies—ten mystical, radiant poems that bring together the beautiful and the sacred.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 brings us closer to Rilke’s meaning than ever before and illuminates 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. Read more

Entdecke eine Sammlung verlorener Geschichten: Drucke, Manuskripte und TagebücherTauche ein in eine Welt voller vergessener Geschichten und entdecke die Geheimnisse der Vergangenheit. "Die Sammlung" ist eine fesselnde Zusammenstellung von Drucken, Manuskripten, Tagebüchern und Fragmenten, die einen einzigartigen Einblick in vergangene Epochen und faszinierende Lebenswelten bieten.Spannende Inhalte:Drucke: Seltene und antike Drucke, die von längst vergangenen Zeiten erzählen."Der Verschollene": Ein Manuskript, das Licht auf ein rätselhaftes Verschwinden wirft."Der Prozess": Ein packender Bericht über einen historischen Gerichtsfall."Das Schloss": Eine mystische Erzählung, die in den Tiefen eines alten Schlosses spielt."Schriften und Fragmente": Ein Kaleidoskop aus Gedanken und Ideen aus verschiedenen Epochen."Tagebücher": Persönliche Einblicke in das Leben vergangener Generationen.Warum dieses E-Book lesen?Einzigartige Einblicke: Erhalten Sie Zugang zu seltenen und faszinierenden Dokumenten aus der Vergangenheit.Spannende Geschichten: Entdecken Sie fesselnde Erzählungen, die Ihre Fantasie beflügeln.Geheimnisse der Vergangenheit: Lüften Sie den Schleier über verlorene Geschichten und vergessene Welten.Bereicherung des Wissens: Erweitern Sie Ihren Horizont und lernen Sie Neues über Geschichte und Kultur.Jetzt kaufen und in die Welt der "Sammlung" eintauchen!Dieses E-Book ist ein unverzichtbares Leseerlebnis für alle, die sich für Geschichte, Kultur und faszinierende Geschichten interessieren.Bestellen Sie Ihr Exemplar jetzt und begeben Sie sich auf eine spannende Reise in die Vergangenheit! Read more

A FINALIST FOR THE PEN/WEST TRANSLATION AWARDThe 100th Anniversary Edition of a global classic, containing beautiful translations along with the original German text.While visiting Russia in his twenties, Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the twentieth century's greatest poets, was moved by a spirituality he encountered there. Inspired, Rilke returned to Germany and put down on paper what he felt were spontaneously received prayers. Rilke's Book of Hours is the invigorating vision of spiritual practice for the secular world, and a work that seems remarkably prescient today, one hundred years after it was written.Rilke's Book of Hours shares with the reader a new kind of intimacy with God, or the divine—a reciprocal relationship between the divine and the ordinary in which God needs us as much as we need God. Rilke influenced generations of writers with his Letters to a Young Poet, and now Rilke's Book of Hours tells us that our role in the world is to love it and thereby love God into being. These fresh translations rendered by Joanna Macy, a mystic and spiritual teacher, and Anita Barrows, a skilled poet, capture Rilke's spirit as no one has done before. Read more

Breathing, you invisible poem!World-space in pure continuous interchangewith my own being. Equiposein which I rhythmically transpire.Written only four years before Rilke's death, this sequence of sonnets, varied in form yet consistently structured, stands as the poet's final masterwork. In these meditations on the constant flux of our world and the ephemerality of experience, Rilke envisions death not only as one among many of life's transformations but also as an ideally receptive state of being. Because Orpheus has visited the realm of death and returned to the living, his lyre, a unifying presence in these poems, is an emblem of fluidity and musical transcendence. And Eurydice, condemned to Hades as a result of Orpheus's backward glance, becomes in Rilke's universe a mythical figure of consolation and hope.Edward Snow, in his translations of New Poems, The Book of Images, Uncollected Poems, and Duino Elegies, has emerged as Rilke's most able English-language interpreter. Adhering faithfully to the intent of Rilke's German while constructing nuanced, colloquial poems in English, Snow's Sonnets to Orpheus should serve as the authoritative translation for years to come. Read more

After Nature, W. G. Sebald’s first literary work, now translated into English by Michael Hamburger, explores the lives of three men connected by their restless questioning of humankind’s place in the natural world. From the efforts of each, “an order arises, in places beautiful and comforting, though more cruel, too, than the previous state of ignorance.” The first figure is the great German Re-naissance painter Matthias Grünewald. The second is the Enlightenment botanist-explorer Georg Steller, who accompanied Bering to the Arctic. The third is the author himself, who describes his wanderings among landscapes scarred by the wrecked certainties of previous ages.After Nature introduces many of the themes that W. G. Sebald explored in his subsequent books. A haunting vision of the waxing and waning tides of birth and devastation that lie behind and before us, it confirms the author’s position as one of the most profound and original writers of our time. Read more

One of the great classics of European literature, Faust is Goethe's most complex and profound work. To tell the dramatic and tragic story of one man’s pact with the Devil in exchange for knowledge and power, Goethe drew from an immense variety of cultural and historical material, and a wealth of poetic and theatrical traditions. What results is a tour de force illustrating Goethe’s own moral and artistic development, and a symbolic, cautionary tale of Western humanity striving restlessly and ruthlessly for progress.Capturing the sense, poetic variety, and tonal range of the German original in present-day English, Stuart Atkins’s translation presents the formal and rhythmic dexterity of Faust in all its richness and beauty, without recourse to archaisms or interpretive elaborations.Featuring a new introduction by David Wellbery, this Princeton Classics edition of Faust is the definitive English version of a timeless masterpiece. Read more

'Shall I embrace you, must I let you go? Again you haunt me: come then, hold me fast!'Goethe viewed the writing of poetry as essentially autobiographical and the works selected in this volume represent over sixty years in the life of the poet. In early poems such as 'Prometheus' he rails against religion in an almost ecstatic fervour, while 'To the Moon' is an enigmatic meditation on the end of a love affair. The Roman Elegies show Goethe's use of Classical metres in homage to abcient Rome and its poets, and 'The Diary' , supressed for more than a century, is a narrative poem whose eroticism is unusually combined with its morality. Arranged chronologically, David Luke's verse translations are set alonjgside the German orginals to give a picture of Goethe's poetic development. This edition also includes an introduction and notes placing the poems in the context of the poet's life and times. Read more

In 1878 the Victorian critic Matthew Arnold wrote: 'Goethe is the greatest poet of modern times... because having a very considerable gift for poetry, he was at the same time, in the width, depth, and richness of his criticism of life, by far our greatest modern man.'In this Very Short Introduction Ritchie Robertson covers the life and work of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832): scientist, administrator, artist, art critic and supreme literary writer in a vast variety of genres. Looking at Goethe's poetry, novels and drama pieces, as well as his travel writing, autobiography, and essays on art and aesthetics, Robertson analyses some of the key themes in his works: love, nature, religion and tragedy. Dispelling the misconception of Goethe as a sedate Victorian sage, Robertson shows how much of his art was rooted in turbulent personal conflicts, and draws on recent research to present a complete portrait of the scientific work and political activity which accompanied Goethe's writings.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Read more