Description: LETTERS TO MERLINE 1919-1922, Rainer Maria Rilke, translated from the German by Jesse Browner, 1989 1st Ameician Edition, Paragon House (New York), 8.5 x 5.75-inch linen-clad HB with embossed gold lettering at spine, DJ, 155 pp. printed on high-quality, thicker-than-average, matte-finished stock which looks new at age 32; DJ; near-excellent over condition (book is excellent; DJ is very good - except fro some very faint tan spots between the front illustration of the author and the vertical edge; it's bright, clean and fully intact, tiny chip at upper rear spine corner, very small tear at lower rear tip, nearly 1-inch taped tear at upper rear edge; $18.95 at upper front flap). Rilke first met Merline, mother of artist Balthus, en route to the chateau of a wealthy patron, where he hoped to find the solitude he needed to write DUINO ELEGIES. He was immediately smitten and began a correspondence with her, which led to a deeply romantic relationship which challenged his belief that the Love of God, not a woman, was the best inspiration in his work. His letters are famous for both the beauty of his language, style of courtship among refined people in post-WW I Germany, and the breadth of detail re: his personal life. Rilke (1875-1926) was one of the most widely read poets of the 20th century. He first earned recognition with his 1902 collection of poems THE BOOK OF IMAGES. He briefly worked as secretary for the sculptor Rodin, whose work greatly inspired him. He wrote a study of the artist in 1907. He's best known for DUINO ELEGIES, LIFE OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SONNETS TO ORPHEUS, and LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET. The cheapest copies on eBay, in good condition, are under $10.00. The nicest matching HB is near-fine, accompanied by a cover photo, for $32.75 with free shipping. My Buy-It-Now price of $14.99 includes shipping with cardboard backing in a padded envelope via media mail, which takes aorund 7 days with tracking.
Price: 14.99 USD
Location: Studio City, California
End Time: 2024-11-15T01:18:46.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Hardcover
Language: English
Special Attributes: 1st Edition, Dust Jacket
Author: Rainer Maria Rilke
Publisher: Paragon House, New York
Topic: German poet & author's Rilke's letters to a great love
Subject: intensely romantic & personally revealing letters
Character Family: Rilke & his lover Merline, mother of the artist Balthus
Original/Facsimile: Original
