A native of Prague, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875#150;1926) was relatively unknown during his lifetime but has since come to be regarded as a master of verse. This career-spanning selection features his best works, in both the original German versions and excellent English translations. Selections include verses from Sonnets to Orpheus, Duino Elegies, Requiem for a Friend, The Book of Hours, and The Life of the Virgin Mary, plus samples of the poet's earlier and later works. Lucid and accessible, the English translations by Stanley Appelbaum appear on pages that face the original German text. Literature lovers, German-language students, and other readers will find this dual-language anthology a rewarding exploration of Rilke's poetry and an excellent aid to mastering the German language.