Letters to a Young Poet

(Penguin Classics)

By: Rainer Maria Rilke, Charlie Louth - translator

Narrated by: Dan Stevens, Max Deacon

Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke, read by Max Deacon and Dan Stevens.

At the start of the 20th 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.

©2016 Rainer Maria Rilke (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Superb!

I listen to the audiobook for thousand times and each time I gain something new. Dan Steven's performance is more than perfect.

Voice

I thank the Rilke, but in Dan’s voice, the words soothe my soul with depth.

Absolute peace

I haven’t felt this depth of feeling in a long time. I absolutely recommend this masterpiece!:)

He Is and Always Will Be A Master

The last chapter in which the young worker sends Rilke a letter sums it all up best… we should only put our faith in those who stir within us a commotion that demands nothing less than the Truth and accepts nothing less than Love.

A beautiful collection

The wisdom lovingly laid out by this amazing wordsmith was like taking a refreshing sip of spring water as it dripped off. the mountain side.