Poems

by Cyprian Kamil Norwid, Danuta Borchardt (Translator)

Considered a "Christian Socrates" by one critic and a "hieroglyph stylist" by another, Cyprian Norwid was more unanimously recognized, however, as one of the most vital figures in Polish letters whose verse is as idiosyncratic as it is profound. Traveling against the currents of the philosophy of his day, Norwid was a historicist with deep insight into the codes and ripples in the society around him. This engaging bilingual collection, selected and translated from the Polish by Danuta Borchardt, includes many of Norwid's revered poems, including Vademecum. True to its Latin summons, "go with me," the epic poem invites the reader to accompany Norwid on a journey though many lands and timeless question, seeking truth. We witness Norwid decrying the tight-fisted city folk of London, befriending Frédéric Chopin – whom he meets during his travels, and lamenting the death of a friend. Lyrical, moving and often biting, this collection gives an evocative glimpse into the world of an extraordinary poet.

Genres: Poetry, Polish Literature, Poland

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Polish poet, dramatist, prosaist, essayist, philosopher, painter and sculptor. An outsider, despite his acquaintance with the famous - Chopin, Mickiewicz, Słowacki and Krasiński, he remained underestimated to be finally appreciated in the XX century. Censorship in partitioned Poland forced him to live in Paris. His work included hundreds of poems, some prose, dramas, sketches, paintings and sculptures. His early unfulfilled love formed his style, full of sensitivity. Since then he was mostly lonely, with the first of two other known romances occurring at age of 47. His main interests were writing style, polish society and morality. He spent all money on works of art and journeys to live in London, Berlin, New York and, mostly, Paris.

Reviews

[Schabus · Rating 5 out of 5]

mój najukochańszy norwid ❤️ uwielbiam jego wiersze, mój ulubiony poeta. utożsamiam sie z nim i myślę że to jedyna osoba która byłaby w stanie mnie zrozumieć w 101%, Cyprian Kamil Norwid we still talk about you !! kocham cie Cyprianek

[Helaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asnyk lepszy (lena nie bij)

[Alexander Asay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyprian Norwid, often overlooked in his lifetime, is now recognized as one of Poland's most significant poets, and this collection, translated by Danuta Borchardt, brings his enigmatic and profound verse to an English-speaking audience. Poems, published by Archipelago Books, is a treasure trove of lyrical exploration, philosophical inquiry, and cultural commentary, all wrapped in the enigmatic style of a Romantic visionary.

Norwid's poetry, which spans the late 19th century, is characterized by its idiosyncratic nature, blending the mystical with the mundane, and the historic with the contemporary. His works are rich with aphorisms, multi-layered metaphors, and a cryptic style that challenges readers to delve deeper into the text. Borchardt's translation does not shy away from the complexity of Norwid's language but rather embraces it, offering English readers a window into the poet's intricate world.

The collection includes many of Norwid's revered poems, such as "Vade-mecum," an epic journey through landscapes both geographic and philosophical. Norwid's engagement with themes like heroism, truth, and the human condition is evident, often juxtaposed against the backdrop of his travels through Europe and interactions with figures like Frédéric Chopin.

Borchardt's translations are noted for their fidelity to Norwid's nuances, rhythms, and rhymes, making the poems both accessible and true to their original intent. Critics have lauded her work for capturing the "melodic rush" and "surprises" inherent in Norwid's verse. Her efforts are pivotal in bringing Norwid's voice to a broader audience, where he is seen as a "Christian Socrates" or a "hieroglyph stylist," reflecting his deep insights into society and philosophy.

The book is bilingual, which is particularly beneficial for those interested in the original Polish alongside the English translation, allowing for a comparative reading experience. This feature not only aids in appreciating the translation's accuracy but also invites readers to engage with Norwid's language directly.

In conclusion, Poems is an essential addition to the library of world literature. It is a commendable effort to resurrect a poet who was ahead of his time, offering contemporary readers a chance to encounter one of Europe's greatest poets and thinkers. This collection is recommended for those with an appetite for poetry that is both challenging and rewarding.

[Michael Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

my new favourite 19c poet. in this translation, prefer norwid to baudelaire or heine. but i probably felt that about corbiere also. ive never felt so strongly the advantage that translation has in english - that it (ie new translation) isnt dated in the same way as the romantics, or even the victorians

[Szlachcic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nie podoba mi się jego styl. Jest co prawda pare perełek, jak np. Bodajże "Coś Atenom zrobił Sokratesie...", lecz większość Vade Mecum calkowicir fo mnie nie przemawia. Wiem, że kontrowersyjne, lecz taka jest moja opinia

[Julia Dąbek · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A miłość moja, bracie, dwuskrzydlata:
Od uwielbienia do wzgardy."

[nikola · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Więc do serca o radę
Dłoń podniosłem i kładę,
Alić nagle zastygnie prawica:
Głośno śmieli się oni,
Jam pozostał bez dłoni,
Dłoń mi czarna obwiła pętlica.'

[Annaliese · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Bo ciernie deptać słodziej - i z ochotą
Na dzid iść kły
Niż błoto deptać, ile z łez to błoto
A z westchnień mgły ...”
Jesień

[J.Kostuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

O! Boże… jeden, który JESTEŚ — Boże,
Ja także jestem…
…choć jestem przez Ciebie.