Heinrich von Kleist Poems

This collection of poems by Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) translated into modern English rhyming verse by Peter Raina will bring the stature of this contemporary of Goethe and Schiller into sharp focus and will reach a new readership of English speakers across the world.

The subjects treated in this anthology include reaction to major political events (particularly Napoleon’s incursions into German territory) and patriotic laudatory pieces as well as anti-military sentiments, down to shorter poems, especially the epigrams which explore everyday joys and tribulations.

Embarking on this challenging task of translation, the author was inspired by the thoughts of John Sparrow in his book "Great Poetry", Independent Essays: [words in poetry] ‘move us simply by their sound and through the appeal of rhythm and metre to the ear’.

Peter Raina was thus emboldened to replace the metre he found in the original with a new rhyme and rhythm in his English translation.

The effect is a fresh, arresting comment on issues in Kleist’s background often not so dissimilar from those we experience today.

Peter Raina is a distinguished historian with a long-standing association with the University of Oxford, as a Research Associate, St Catherine´s College; Senior Research Associate at the Grduate Centre, Balliol College; Honorary Member of High Table and Member of the Senior Common Room, Christ Church; Honorary Member of the Senior Common Room, Magdalen College; Visiting Research Scholar, Faulty of History. He is a Life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge. His publications include a six volume history of the House of Lords reforms, and classic biographies: The Seventh Earl Beauchamp: A Victim of His Times; John Sparrow, Warden of All Souls College, Oxford; and George Dadie Rylands: Shakespearean Scholar and Cambridge Legend.