Poems

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"Poems" is a translation of Georg Trakl's first verse collection, published in 1913, which quickly established him as a prominent figure in Austrian German Expressionism. His work garnered praise from contemporaries like Rainer Maria Rilke and Else Lasker-Schüler, and he received patronage from Ludwig Wittgenstein, who noted the pleasing "tone" of Trakl's poetry, despite not fully understanding it. This blend of pleasure and perplexity continues to characterize the reading of Trakl today, reflecting the ongoing interest in his work and its influence, particularly in translation. Various interpretations of Trakl's poetry have emerged, with each translation akin to scaling a "blue glass mountain" to uncover the "correct" understanding of his verses. This fresh translation marks the first volume in James Reidel's "Our Trakl," commemorating the centenary of Trakl's death in 1914 during World War I. Unlike previous collections, Reidel carefully curates the order and content to evoke a specific effect and musicality, honoring Trakl's artistic vision and his connection to two centuries. The second volume will feature Trakl's second book, "Sebastian Dreaming," with a third volume of poetry and prose to follow.