The Making of a Pure Poet: Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet (1904-1908) and his life while writing them

In 1903, Franz Xaver Kappus, a young poet and military cadet, wrote to Rainer Maria Rilke seeking advice. Rilke, in his late twenties, responded with a voluminous letter, sharing his personal struggles and artistic challenges. Augustus Young's book explores Rilke's life, focusing on his relationships with his wife Clara and confidante Lou Andreas-Salome, and how his poems relate to his experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Ashgrove Publishing Ltd

Franz Xaver Kappus, an aspiring poet and military cadet, wrote to Rainer Maria Rilke in 1903 seeking advice. To his surprise, Rilke responded with a voluminous letter, offering guidance and insight into the writer's life. Little did Kappus know that he would serve as a sounding board for Rilke, who was grappling with personal and artistic challenges.

Rilke, in his late twenties, was dealing with various issues. He had recently separated from his wife, the mother of his eighteen-month-old child. He had a complicated relationship with Paris and Auguste Rodin, both of whom he admired and despised. He was also working on a novel and modernizing his poetry.

Augustus Young, in his book "Rilke: A Biography," focuses on this period of personal and artistic crisis. He seeks to weave a patchwork portrait of Rilke and his intimates, including his long-suffering wife Clara and Lou Andreas-Salome, a close confidante and ruthless mentor. Rilke's personal life was an analyst's dream, as he was utterly committed to creating the conditions he deemed necessary to make poetry.

Building on the foundation of Rilke's surprisingly open letters to a young poet, Young's book offers a new and revealing investigation into one of the most misunderstood poets of the Modernist era. It explores how Rilke's poems relate to his life and the struggles he faced.

Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Young sheds light on the complexities of Rilke's character and his artistic process. He provides a deeper understanding of Rilke's relationships with his contemporaries, such as Rodin and Pablo Picasso, and how they influenced his work.

"Rilke: A Biography" is a valuable contribution to the literature on Rilke and his legacy. It offers a fresh perspective on the poet's life and work, challenging previous interpretations and providing a deeper appreciation for his achievements. Whether you are a fan of Rilke's poetry or interested in the life and times of Modernist artists, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 141 x 211 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781853982057