Friedrich Hoelderlin emerged in the early 20th century as one of the key figures of modern European literature. This comprehensive selection of over 80 of his odes, hexameters, and elegies is taken from the important early period of his mature work--a time in which we encounter the poet open to nature and love with a rare vulnerability. The translations in Odes and Elegies, including poems never before available in English, render forcefully and directly the deep longing and heartbreak of Hoelderlin's poetic world; their open, pathos-filled rhythm and disarming clarity present Hoelderlin's powerful work as distinctive English poems. A bilingual edition, this book also includes informative annotations and translations of drafts and revisions that give deep insight into Hoelderlin's craft and process, shining new light on the unique poetic voice that marks Hoelderlin's achievement and continuing influence on poetry and philosophy today.

FRIEDRICH HOeLDERLIN (1770-1843), whose work has influenced such figures as Rilke, Celan, Heidegger, Adorno, and Benjamin, is considered by many to be one of the most important German lyric poets. NICK HOFF is a writer and translator who lives in San Francisco. His translations have been published in Telos, Left Curve, and other journals.