The Rilke of Ruth Spiers

This collection showcases Ruth Speirs' translations of Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry, offering a unique perspective on the poet's work and its significance in English literature.

In The Rilke of Ruth Speirs, readers are introduced to the remarkable translations of Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry by Ruth Speirs, a Latvian exile who found her place in the British literary scene during World War Two. This volume marks the first time all of Speirs' surviving translations are compiled, showcasing her unique ability to capture the essence of Rilke's work. Speirs was not only a talented translator but also a close friend of notable literary figures such as Lawrence Durrell and Bernard Spencer, which influenced her literary journey.

Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most significant poets of the twentieth century, is celebrated for his profound and intricate poetry. Speirs' translations have been praised for their rhythmic vitality and faithfulness to the original text, earning descriptions such as 'excellent' and 'the best.' Despite her talent, copyright restrictions prevented her work from being published in a single volume during her lifetime, leaving her remarkable contributions largely unrecognized until now.

Edited by John Pilling and Peter Robinson, The Rilke of Ruth Speirs finally brings the attention her translations deserve. This collection not only preserves Speirs' adaptations but also provides a vital link in the history of Rilke's poetry in the English language. Her translations offer a mid-century English perspective on Rilke's German verses, allowing contemporary readers to appreciate the depth and beauty of his work through Speirs' lens.