Rilke in Paris

Rainer Maria Rilke's writings provide a fascinating insight into Parisian art and culture in the last century, inspired and appalled by the city's high culture and low society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2019
Publisher: Pushkin Press

In 1902, the young German poet Rainer Maria Rilke embarked on a journey to Paris, driven by a desire to pen a monograph on the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin. His fascination with the city grew over the years, as he visited it numerous times, experiencing both the allure of high culture and the darker aspects of low society. Through his writings, Rilke offers a captivating insight into Parisian art and culture during the last century. This collection includes Rilke's profound poetic meditations on existence, titled "Notes on the Melody of Things," as well as the first English translation of his Parisian experiences, as observed by his French translator Maurice Betz.

Rilke's poetic language is renowned for its exquisite beauty and emotional depth, capturing the essence of the city's art and culture. His observations of Parisians, both the privileged and the marginalized, shed light on the social and economic dynamics of the time. From the grandeur of the Louvre Museum to the streets of Montmartre, Rilke's Paris is a vivid and evocative portrayal of a city that has continued to inspire artists and writers for generations.

This book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Parisian life, art, and culture during the early 20th century. Rilke's writings provide a unique perspective on a city that has captivated the world for centuries, and his insights into the human condition continue to resonate with readers today.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 162 x 143 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782274742