Die Sonette An Orpheus by RILKE, Rainer Maria - 1923

Leipzig: Insel-Verlag, 1923. First edition, ordinary issue, of one of Rilke's supreme achievements. Presentation copy, inscribed by Rilke to Swiss sculptor Hermann Haller in August 1924, and with two annotations in the text by the poet. Deeply serene, magical, euphonious, and light - contrasting markedly with the austere and tragic majesty of the elegies, which were composed almost simultaneously with them - the sonnets are among the most notably experimental of Rilke's many works. And, along with the elegies, they are the epitome of his immense achievement. Inscribed copies of Rilke's major works are rare in the market, as are, in fact, presentable copies in the first editions. A superb copy, pristine save for some slight foxing, in the original dust jacket and publisher's box. 8vo, original marbled boards with green leather label on front cover, dust jacket, in publisher's original printed card box. A superb copy, pristine save for some slight foxing, in the original dust jacket and publisher's box.