Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair

The copy I received had water and coffee stains and marks, and part of the title was missing. The rest of the book is readable but the cover is really sad. ***EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE*** TB was not able to send me a replacement copy but I was refunded. And I kept the book.

My mother was looking for this book everywhere and I got her the best christmas present with this. She cant put it down!

The "Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada" is the best-selling book of poetry ever in the Spanish language and established Neruda as one of the great talents of the 20th century. Each of the 21 poems is touching, full of illusion and warmth, with an amazing use of imagery. The last two express loss and heartbreak in a breathtaking way. Poem #20 is perhaps the most famous: "Tonight I can write the saddest verse." The "100 Sonetos," written many years later, contain some gems, though I much prefer the first book. Don't make the mistake of thinking that these were all written for the same woman -- they weren't! Neruda seduced many of his muses with his poetry. Los "Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada" es el libro de poesía más popular en la historia del idioma español, y estableció a Neruda como uno de los talentos más grandes del siglo XX. Cada uno de los poemas es conmovedor, lleno de ilusión y calidez, con un uso asombrante de imágenes. Los dos últimos expresan el dolor de la pérdida en una forma espectacular. El poema #20 es probablemente el más famoso: "Puedo escribir los versos más tristes esta noche." El libro de los "Cien sonetos," escritos años después, contiene algunos poemas excelentes, pero carece de la misma vitalidad que el primero. No vayas a pensar que Neruda compuso todos estos poemas para la misma mujer! Sedujo a muchas de sus musas con su poesía.

Con versos fáciles de recordar, Neruda escribe en su juventud, este fundamental libro de poesía que cambiaría los ritmos y la forma de enamorar a generaciones de jóvenes, que aún copian sus versos para expresar sus sentimientos. Es una lectura indispensable que recomiendo a los que deseen acercarse a la mejor poesía de amor en español.

Neruda's early work is both accessible and evocative in ways that are not always literal. It is a shame that it is so difficult to translate. I recommend a bilingual edition to non-native speakers to ensure that you are on track, but remember: translators of Neruda often are not.

Neruda's work evokes a passionate lament of love lost and love found. Remorseful as it is hopeful, Neruda fills the soul with dainty words and vivid imagery that will haunt you. This collection is perfect for the passionate. It features my favorite poem, I like for you to be still.