Customer Reviews

Desiderata Art Poster Print, 8x10

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I was hopeful to have found a nice printed copy of this famous poem. I was sorely disappointed; it is the WRONG text and the WRONG citation. Desiderata is a poem written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann (1872 - 1945). The poem was first published posthumously in 1948 in a collection titled The Poems of Max Ehrmann. Its history became convoluted in the 1950's when a pastor who often printed inspirational pieces for his congregation distributed it on church letterhead, which included the date of 1692. However, this was the date the congregation was founded. Unfortunately, it is thought that copies were made until it landed in the hands of an editor, who, seeing the date 1692 assumed it was public domain, changed the citation to "found in Old Saint Paul's Church 1692" and moved it to the bottom of the text. This poem is NOT from the late 1600's - it is from the 1920's. The language and style confirm this.

Also of note is that the 2nd-to last line is often erroneously copied as "Be Careful". It was actually "Be Cheerful", which changes the tone of the final lines significantly. This is one clue that the text is derived from the poorly-mimeographed copies that were circulated from the church. Obviously, if the publisher believes it to be public domain, no copyright royalties are paid, so this erroneous version has become widespread.

It is a lovely and inspirational poem, and one that I cherish deeply. However, I prefer the original text, and to honor the author with the original citation. You can find the correct version elsewhere, with the original text intact and with the correct citations. For this size print, at similar price points, I would urge you to seek the REAL poem, as it was meant to be read.

The Desiderata poem is a wonderful verse and it inspired Gene Roddenberry, creater of "Star Trek" and I think it offers good advice on how to live our lives.

The first package came bent and the art was creased. I sent a picture of it to the supplier which is one of the methods they recommended for returns and they sent me a new one within a few days. Even though it came packaged the same way(rigid chipboard mailer)it was in perfect shape.