The Essential Neruda

This collection showcases 50 of Pablo Neruda's best poems, featuring fresh translations and a comprehensive introduction to his remarkable work.

This bilingual collection features 50 of Pablo Neruda's most celebrated poems, many of which are newly translated. With an introduction by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, this edition is a result of a collaborative effort involving the Neruda Estate and prominent scholars and translators. The aim was to create an authoritative introduction to Neruda's work, showcasing the depth and breadth of his poetic genius.

Pablo Neruda, who lived from 1904 to 1973, is regarded as the greatest Latin American poet of the 20th century. His prolific output covers a wide array of themes, including love, death, grief, and despair. His poetry not only reflects the stunning Chilean landscape but also expresses a deep anger against the exploitation of his people, ultimately earning him the status of a national hero. In 1971, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his ability to convey the destiny and dreams of a continent through his powerful words.

The Essential Neruda presents fifty of his most significant poems in fresh translations, resulting from an unprecedented collaboration among poets and scholars. This edition includes some previously untranslated works, setting a new standard for high-quality introductions to Neruda's complete oeuvre. The translations are by notable figures such as Mark Eisner, John Felstiner, and Robert Hass, among others, with an introduction by Eisner and a foreword by Ferlinghetti.