Poems from the Book of Hours

By Rainer Maria Rilke, Babette Deutsch (translator),

Book cover of Poems from the Book of Hours

Book description

Although The Book of Hours is the work of Rilke's youth, it contains the germ of his mature convictions. Written as spontaneously received prayers, these poems celebrate a God who is not the Creator of the Universe but rather humanityitself and, above all, that most intensely conscious part of humanity,…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Poems from the Book of Hours as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’m captivated by the speakers in these poems: Russian monks, totally committed to their faith, whose god is more a product of their imaginations than something that can exist without them. In fact, this god is lonely, anxious, and dependent on the artist-monks for his existence.

With images of cathedral-building, prisons (prisons of the self, that is), and sunrises, Rilke brings to life a mysterious form of devotion that is also a kind of art. These poems are haunting and peaceful at the same time and very beautiful.

Want books like Poems from the Book of Hours?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Poems from the Book of Hours.

Browse books like Poems from the Book of Hours

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in personal development, God, and spirituality?

God 257 books
Spirituality 306 books