The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems (Bilingual Edition) (English and Spanish Edition) [Paperback]

Pablo Neruda (Author), Mark Eisner (Editor), Robert Hass (Translator), Stephen Mitchell (Translator), Alastair Reid (Translator), Forrest Gander (Translator), Stephen Kessler (Translator), John Felstiner (Translator), Jack Hirschman (Translator), Lawrence Ferlinghetti (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

This collection of Neruda's most essential poems will prove indispensable. Selected by a team of poets and prominent Neruda scholars in both Chile and the U.S., this is a definitive selection that draws from the entire breadth and width of Neruda's various styles and themes. An impressive group of translators that includes Alastair Reid, Stephen Mitchell, Robert Hass, Stephen Kessler and Jack Hirschman, have come together to revisit or completely retranslate the poems; and a handful of previously untranslated works are included as well. This selection sets the standard for a general, high--quality introduction to Neruda's complete oeuvre.
Pablo Neruda was born in Chile in 1904. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best introduction to Neruda available in English... few other books... have given me so much delight so easily." -- The Austin Chronicle

One of three must-have new poetry titles. -- USA Today

About the Author

Pablo Neruda is regarded as the greatest Latin American poet of the 20th century. Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971, his breadth of vision and wide range of themes are extraordinary, and his work continues to inspire new generations of writers. Mark Eisner, poet and translator, is a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University´s Center for Latin American Studies. He has wandered and worked throughout Latin America from Cuba to Chile for years and is currently directing and producing a documentary film on Pablo Neruda.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: City Lights Publishers; abridged edition edition (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English, Spanish
• ISBN-10: 0872864286
• ISBN-13: 978-0872864283
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Caribbean & Latin American
  • #1 in Books > Libros en espańol > Historia > Las Américas > America Central
  • #1 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Spanish

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Actually Essential! Instructors Should Use This Book May 2, 2005

By A. Giardino

Format:Paperback

This collection is by far the most thoughtful and persuasive introduction to Neruda available--it really is "essential." The translations are some of the best ever published (to be sure, it's an impressive line-up of contributors), and the editor obviously deeply knows and honors the material. I am a college professor, and I plan to use this work in my classroom. If you are lucky enough to be heading to Chile, this is the one Neruda book to carry you through your travels...to introduce you to that beautiful poetic country.

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars it is all in the title January 15, 2006

By Thomas Kohnstamm

Format:Paperback

As a former student of Spanish literature, I have always held a deep appreciation for the work of Pablo Neruda. I have often wished to share the beauty of his work with friends and family - yet many of them have found Neruda translations to be inaccessible. I have also found that many of the other translations are stilted or do not properly recreate the rhythm and imagery of the Spanish original.
The Essential Neruda combines an excellent overview of Neruda's work with accesible and faithful translation. Whether you are new to the poetry of Pablo Neruda or have already read every one of his works - the Essential Neruda will give you valuable insight into his art and an appreciation of cutting-edge poetry translation.
This book also launched a non-profit organization and on-line community dedicated to Neruda and his work.

Check out www.redpoppy.net to learn about contemporary Neruda translation and scholarship, Chilean politics and more.

It also shows how you can get involved with the legacy of Neruda.

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tool (and treat!) for those learning Spanish October 10, 2006

By T. H. Snell

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

My husband is a linguist, and one of the things he suggested I do while learning Spanish is memorize various items -- stories, poems, songs -- that I can say to myself whenever I like. Other than "practice the verbs!" this has been the best language advice I've ever received. It helps me with pronunciation, understanding, fluency -- and, as a major side benefit, I have great pastimes for when I'm waiting in line, or stuck somewhere without a book.

"The Essential Neruda" is a goldmine of beautiful pieces, and most anyone will be able to find a poem that appeals to them enough to learn by heart. "Oda al Libro (II)" is one of my favorites, and it has helped me learn and retain the meanings of several great words.

Side-by-side bilingual texts like this one also serve as terrific motivators for language learners because as we grow in skill and are able to read in both languages, we can evaluate the translators' work and notice where certain nuances and meanings are lost in the shift from one language to another. Being able to understand a writer like Neruda in his original language is a glorious treat!