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Letters to a Young Poet  By  cover art

Letters to a Young Poet

By: Rainer Maria Rilke, Charlie Louth - translator
Narrated by: Dan Stevens, Max Deacon
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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 Audio

What listeners say about Letters to a Young Poet

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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.

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Superb!

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

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2 people found this helpful

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Absolute peace

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

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Beautiful

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

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Voice

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

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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.

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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.

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