Arguably one of the most important German poets of the nineteenth century, Heinrich Heine was a convert without conviction. He chose Christianity over Judaism as a means of securing an academic career, but when his conversion failed to yield the hoped-for job opportunities, he devoted himself to writing instead. This volume presents a new translation of Hebrew Melodies, the third cycle of poems in Heines late masterwork, Romanzero, which many critics have interpreted as Heines return to his Jewish roots.
As Elisheva Carlebach explains in her introduction, Heines return to God in his final years was motivated not by faith, but rather by a deep admiration of the Jewish people - a sentiment that is clearly reflected in the poems that make up Hebrew Melodies. This edition presents the original German alongside new English translations by Stephen Mitchell, widely known for his ability to make old classics thrillingly new, and Jack Prelutsky, the author of more than fifty poetry collections for children and adults. An additional form of interpretive translation is provided by Mark Podwals inimitable artwork, which captures precisely the playful spirit, the sweet comforts of Jewish tradition, and the menacing edges of historys nightmares that characterize Heines late-in-life return to his youthful memories.
