Rilke: A Life

by Wolfgang Leppmann

Traces the life of the distinguished Austrian author, Rainer Maria Rilke, and examines the development of his poetry and fiction

Genres: Biography, Poetry, Nonfiction

421 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Philippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparation for my first approach to the Duino Elegies I spent a delightful week under the spell of this generous Rilke biography. The story is well and sympathetically told and the balance between life and work feels just right. And what a pleasure to immerse oneself in the spirit of that troubled but bracing age! And how gratifying to accompany the nomadic poet on his hectic travels through the European heartland: Prague, Munich, Paris, Venice, Rome … ! I loved every minute of it. But my trepidations about tackling the Elegies have not in the least been diminished …

[Harold Rhenisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great stuff on Rilke here, with many great, well-researched insights, but more of a work of idolatry than anything, in the end. This is a book on Rilke for non-poets, which is kind of funny, given the difficulty of his later poems! Leppmann does a serviceable job of normalizing Rilke's ideas, but does not, in the end, follow them down Rilke's pathways. For that, a new book is needed. For a glimpse into the old West Germany, this is a treasure, though.

[Jamey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it, back in the day...

[Anne Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workmanlike, but valuable for its insights into his life.