The Poems

This collection features the first complete English translations of Robert Walser's poetry, showcasing his unique perspective and innovative style, while providing insights into his life and creative process.

The Poems is the first comprehensive collection of Robert Walser’s poetry translated into English. Walser, a Swiss writer born in 1878 and who passed away in 1956, is celebrated by literary figures such as Kafka, Musil, and Walter Benjamin. His work has been described as “unforgettable” and “heart-rending” by renowned author J. M. Coetzee. Despite leaving school at the young age of fourteen, Walser led a tumultuous life filled with travel and uncertainty, during which he produced a significant body of work, including poems, stories, essays, and novels. In 1933, he chose to cease writing and entered a sanatorium, where he spent the remainder of his life, famously stating, “I am not here to write, but to be mad.”

This collection offers English-speaking readers a unique opportunity to engage with Walser's poetry, showcasing his evolution as a poet from the beginning to the end of his literary journey. The book includes valuable supplementary material, such as notes on the dates of composition, draft versions of the poems, and brief biographical insights into the characters and settings referenced throughout. This context enhances the reader's understanding of Walser’s work and the influences that shaped his writing.

In recent years, Walser's reputation has surged, gaining recognition for his distinct voice and innovative approach to form. The Poems invites readers to explore the mind of a writer whose unconventional sensibility resonates deeply in our contemporary world, marked by fragmentation and distraction. Through this collection, readers can appreciate the depth and creativity of Walser’s poetry, revealing a profound connection to the complexities of modern life.