Die Sonette an Orpheus. Geschrieben als ein Grab-Mal für Wera Ouckama Knoop (The Sonnets to Orpheus. Written as a Monument for Wera Ouckama Knoop)
Leipzig: Insel-Verlag, 1923. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 63 (1)pp. Original marbled boards with gilt lettering on debossed green label of cover, protected by modern mylar. Inspired by the death of Wera Ouckama Knoop, playmate of Rilke's daughter, the Sonnets to Orpheus were written in February of 1922 at the Chateau de Muzot during a creative three-week period Rilke described as "savage creative storm." With Rilke's Duino Elegies, which were finished at the same time, the Sonnets are considered Rilke's masterpieces though Robert Musil highlights the Duino Elegies as the peak of Rilke's and German poetry. Subtitled as a monument for the young dancer and friend of Rilke's daughter, it's difficult to find direct references to that effect in the sonnets, and the Myth of Orpheus doesn't play the role one might expect. The structure of the rhymes, metric and cadences vary throughout. Text in German. Ex-Libris of Max u. Luise Stavenhagen, he a prominent German officer, politician and Hamburg Senator on inside front cover. Near fine condition. Item #48745
Price: $1,250.00