Arthur Rimbaud: Complete Works: An Influential Poet's Biography―Visionary Poetry, Prose, and Letters Translated by Paul Schmidt (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)

I purchased this to replace a previous worn copy. Rimbaud was a remarkable and one of a kind poet. His imagery is still astounding and influential even now so long after his passing. The translation is exceptional as well. Mr. Schmidt did an excellent job. As Rimbaud is my favorite French poet, I have several editions of his works. This translation being my favorite. I'm very happy to have obtained a replacement. This edition contains extra features my old one doesn't. My thanks to all.

The actual content of the edition and its editing is magnificent - the tidbits on Rimbaud's life add invaluable context and it's organized in different seasons for each period of his life that really make you appreciate his maturity as a writer. The covers are a bit flimsy as all Harper Perennial Modern Classic editions are, but that's the only possible gripe I could have.

It's never an easy task when translating one of the most important voices of literature, especially with poetry. Arthur Rimbaud is easily one of the most influential and lasting names in poetrys last 300 years. This translation is great! And provided the reader with the entirety of Rimbaud's works.

Rimbaud at 14 years of age mastered Latin poetry! Although he was an extraordinary genius, he rebelled against family and society almost blindly. Having taken to be sacred the derangement of the senses, he ventured into a hallucinatory world where he tried to give the ineffable a descriptive voice. Thus his theory of "pure poetry". Rimbaud eventually gave up on writing verse, and became an explorer of some renown. He returned to France to die in his late 30's. Arthur Rimbaud: Complete Works at least contains the original French texts, and the English translations are excellent. The latter portion of this remarkable book deals mainly with Rimbaud's letters to several people, including Verlaine. And while Verlaine eventually made peace with himself, unfortunately Rimbaud did not. On his gravestone is written simply the words: "Pray For Him".

Glad you do not have to fill in all the blanks to post a review. This is a book of poetry, with some letters of Rimbaud's and some historical background on the poet included. Rimbaud was a strange and highly influential poet who appears to have stopped writing poetry about the time he turned 20. He led a wild and odd life -- the editor calls him a combination of avarice, morality, and gullibility -- a bad combination. But as a poet he was revolutionary, helping found both free verse and the prose poem. Not surprisingly, his poems are often hard to follow -- they sometimes read like Dylan's "Tamborine Man," and Dylan himself acknowledged his debt to this French poet. You might want to start out with "The Drunken Boat" to get a flavor of his writings and move on to his slightly more conventional material such as "A Season in Hell." If you like mind-stretching poetry, you'll like this book

Great condition! Always wanted to know more about who Rimbaud really was. Loved having all of these works together for a seamless read.

Excellent item, support and service :)!!!

I had never read any of Rimbaud's writing, but this blew my lid off. Great writing in both the poems and letters. I also bought the film "Total Eclipse" which was a great companion. Talk about a boy genius.

My daughter was very happy with her unexpected gift.

Still couldn't find that one poem of his... Wish I could understand French... Nevertheless is a must for people who love surrealism

His use of imagery

A great rea! Take your time and enjoy this thoughtful auther

simply excellent, imported version....