Rilke: The Last Inward Man

Lesley Chamberlain's book "Rilke: The Last Inward Man" explores the inner world of Rilke's poetry as a response to a world lacking spirituality, encouraging heightened awareness and transcendence within a materialistic world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Pushkin Press

When Rilke passed away in 1926, his reputation as a great poet seemed unshakable. However, as the tide of the critical avant-garde shifted, he faced increasing criticism for being perceived as apolitical and too introspective. In his book, Rilke: The Last Inward Man, acclaimed critic Lesley Chamberlain takes this charge as a launching point to delve into the vastness of the inner world Rilke created in his poetry. Through a combination of insightful observations on Rilke's life, work, and reception, Chamberlain portrays Rilke's inwardness as a profound response to a world that seemed increasingly lacking in spirituality.

In his works of dazzling imagination and rich imagery, Rilke sought to infuse spirit into Western materialism, encouraging a heightened awareness of how to live with the world as it is, rather than retreating into narrow introspection. He sought to retain a sense of transcendence within a world that had experienced a collapse of spiritual certainty.

Chamberlain's book offers a comprehensive exploration of Rilke's life and work, shedding light on the influences and inspirations that shaped his poetic vision. It also delves into the critical reception of Rilke's poetry, examining how his inwardness has been interpreted and debated by scholars and readers alike. Through his analysis, Chamberlain demonstrates how Rilke's poetry remains relevant and powerful today, offering a profound meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that often feels bewildering and uncertain.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782277217