23 pages • 46 minutes read
Letters to a Young Poet
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Book Brief
Letters to a Young Poet
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 1929123
Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
Early 20th century
1929
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Letters to a Young Poet is a collection of 10 letters written by Rainer Maria Rilke to Franz Xaver Kappus, advising the young aspiring poet to seek artistic and personal growth through introspection, self-discovery, and patience, rather than seeking external validation, while addressing broader existential themes and life questions.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Serene
Reviews & Readership
99,555 ratings
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Review Roundup
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke is widely praised for its profound insight into the creative process and personal growth. Readers find Rilke's meditative prose both inspirational and deeply moving. Some critiqued the repetitive nature of his advice, but overall, it remains a beloved guide for artists and thinkers.
Who Should Read Letters to a Young Poet?
A contemplative reader interested in introspective, philosophical musings on creativity and the human experience would enjoy Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke. Similar readers might appreciate Walden by Henry David Thoreau or The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron for their explorations of self-reflection and artistry.
99,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Franz Xaver Kappus
Franz Xaver Kappus
An Austrian military officer and aspiring poet who engages in a correspondence with Rilke, seeking his advice on poetry and various facets of life, while navigating his career in the military.
123
Collection of Letters • Nonfiction
Early 20th century
1929
Adult
18+ years
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