Choice ALS in German, one page, 5.5 x 8.75, July 26, 1904. Letter to “Most esteemed Professor,” August Sauer. In part (translated): “My best thanks for your kind letter of July 11…in the next few days I will send the manuscript, ready for printing, of: ‘About the Love and Death of the Cornet Otto Rilke’ to the editorial offices of the ‘Deutsche Arbeit.’ As yet, no final determination has been made for the place of publication for the Ellen Key essay in German translation; I will let you know definitely as soon as I have been informed.” In fine condition.
In September of 1895, the energetic young Rilke, engrossed in Prague’s German literary scene, began his winter term at the German Carl-Ferdinands (Charles) University, where he first met Professor August Sauer. Not only his teacher, but also the founder and editor of the Prague journal Deutsche Arbeit, Sauer took a great interest in Rilke’s career, encouraging his work even after the latter moved to Paris in 1902 to begin his study of the artist Rodin. As noted in this letter, Rilke sent his second version of The Lay of Love and Death of Cornet Otto Rilke (originally written in 1899, and later changed to ‘Christoph Rilke’) for publication in the October, 1904, issue of Sauer’s journal. With its early date and the notable reference to Swedish feminist writer Ellen Key, with whom he shared a well-known close correspondence and friendship, this is a highly desirable letter from the passionate young poet at the start of his career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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