Letters to a Young Poet

(Penguin Classics)

By: Rainer Maria Rilke, Charlie Louth - translator

Narrated by: Dan Stevens, Max Deacon

Length: 1 hr and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 Books Limited

Beautifully written, beautifully narrated

Gentle yet wise. That will explain the book.
Props to the publisher for the soothing narration and soundtrack.

N.B. keep in mind that Rilke wrote these letters without any intention to publish. Therefore, read them as you are reading a letter received by a friend, not as a classic you read in a typical afternoon.

Superb!

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

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.

Simply AMAZING!

Dan Stevens is sooo easy to listen to, and Rilke's classic is PERFECTION with his narration. This is the best book on Audible!

Beautiful

beautiful words of a beautiful artist and it's performed so well! hands down one of my favorite audiobooks!

Voice

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

Interesting and inspiring

Narration excellent.
These letters offer what appears to be honest and deep insight into Rilke’s thoughts and philosophy. The author offers thoughts and opinions on various subjects - including some mature subjects.
I listened to it multiple times. Worth a read.

Highly recommended

I loved it! His words are so beautiful. He gives explanations to thought and feelings many of us do not know how to express.

soul food

wonders if the author knew when he was writing this book ..it would be feeding my soul in 2020 truly a blessed experience!

Absolutely wonderful!!!

There's so much wisdom in it that I hardly can put anything into place yet, I will need to hear it again and again... It's the endless source of inspiration!

Truisms from another era

What a treat to be privvy to the communication and thinkings of such a deep thinker and emotional being. I found the scribbles of these letters thoughtful, intentional and intimate. A book I will return to to keep sourcing new truisms.

Brilliant reading, beautiful thoughts.

Great philosophy on art and creativity. If you are aspiring read and re-read. It's read vith capability and intelligence.

The letters are of course of their time and could do with a little emancipation regarding woman's role in art but taken all in all this is a espiltiliary of importance.