Selected Poems of Guillaume Apollinaire

Apollinaire, Guillaume (1880–1918), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Open Access logo

A personal selection of poems by the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire including poems from Alcools, Vitam Impendere Amori, and The Bestiary. Active during the early 20th century, Apollinaire was instrumental in the development of modernist literature. The collection Alcools is noted for its blend of traditional and experimental forms, and it covers themes of alienation, love, and loss. Vitam Impendere Amori explores the concept of devoting one’s life to love, utilizing vivid imagery and rhythmic fluidity. The Bestiary comprises short verses accompanied by woodcuts, inspired by medieval bestiaries but updated with Apollinaire’s modern sensibility. This piece focuses on animals as symbols, offering social and moral commentary. All three works demonstrate Apollinaire’s innovative approach to form and content, marking him as a pivotal figure in avant-garde literature.

Author Details

cover image

Kline, A. S.

Support Open-Access:

Your contribution keeps our classical translations available to all. Every dollar helps support classics education and funds the expansion of our catalogue. Value what we do? Donate now.

© Copyright, All Rights Reserved. This work may be freely reproduced, stored and transmitted, electronically or otherwise, for any non-commercial purpose. Conditions and Exceptions apply.