Letters to a Young Poet

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Letters to a Young Poet, please sign up.

Answered Questions (4)

Peter Ruark I wonder that as well, as I read this collection. In a sense, reading only Rilke's replies and keeping Kappus' letters a mystery adds to the experienc…moreI wonder that as well, as I read this collection. In a sense, reading only Rilke's replies and keeping Kappus' letters a mystery adds to the experience. But, like you, I am curious about those letters _from_ a young poet as well.

To Rachel's comment, Kappus' sonnet is included (at least in this edition by M.D. Herter Norton) because Rilke copied out the sonnet in his own hand, encouraging Kappus to read his sonnet as if written by another and thus more fully understand the parts of himself from which his art comes.(less)
Sonja M.D. Herter Norton is the translated the 3rd English edition, which is what I read and loved. However, Mark Harmon, not the actor, has been praised by…moreM.D. Herter Norton is the translated the 3rd English edition, which is what I read and loved. However, Mark Harmon, not the actor, has been praised by the Harvard Press for his 5th English edition as the go-to and I believe it is now standard.
(less)
Olivia's Bookish Places & Spaces I think you'll have to decide that for yourself. There are some books that I've read and come back to and have been pleasantly surprised by how much I…moreI think you'll have to decide that for yourself. There are some books that I've read and come back to and have been pleasantly surprised by how much I really liked them and was better able to appreciate them. Unfortunately, some books I think "why did I even like it in the first place?". So it all depends. :)(less)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more