Letters to a Young Poet

A timeless guide to the creative life from one of literature’s most profound voices.

At the dawn of the twentieth century, poet Rainer Maria Rilke exchanged a series of heartfelt letters with a young aspiring writer—a correspondence that would become a lasting source of solace and inspiration for artists around the world. In these deeply personal reflections, Rilke offers advice not only on writing, but on solitude, love, doubt, and the quiet courage it takes to live an authentic creative life.

Written with lyrical grace and rare emotional clarity, these letters have resonated across generations—from poets and painters to musicians. This edition includes The Letter from the Young Worker, a companion piece that echoes Rilke’s enduring themes of artistic purpose and self-discovery. With a thoughtful introduction by Lewis Hyde, Letters to a Young Poet remains a luminous touchstone for anyone drawn to the mystery and meaning of making art.