Rainer Maria Rilke's central importance to the history of literature in the 20th century is based on the power and memorability of his lyrics, and on his successful struggle to articulate a new form of human consciousness and a new vision of the human relation to the rest of creation. Franz Wright's brilliant translations of some of Rilke's neglected poems are now well-known and widely admired. They are here enhanced by an additional selection and by a new Introduction, by the translator, that traces Rilke's progress toward ultimate mastery and breadth of vision.