Rainer Maria Rilke was a giant of twentieth-century writing who remains a visionary voice for our own time. He captivated readers not only with his brilliance but also his profound understanding of the complex beauty and depth of human existence. Here, as in Rilke's own writing, a poet can speak directly to God while also doubting God. Astonishingly, this is the first major study of Rilke from a spiritual perspective, even though the greatest of Rilke's gifts was to show how life inevitably centers upon a profound mystery--to which we can freely open ourselves. Drawing on her deep understanding of Rilke's writing, as well as her own personal spiritual journey, Dr. Stephanie Dowrick offers an intimate and accessible appreciation of this exceptional poet and his transcendent work.