Good English Language Translations of Foreign Books

QofResh · 10-04-2012, 11:45 PM

As a long time student of the Judeo-Christian Bible, I am keenly aware (and sensitive to) the importance of a good readable translation for the work under consideration. That said, there are many foreign language books (think the classics) that I would love to try, however I feel quite dubious about reading an outdated translation.

What I am asking for is examples of well-loved foreign language books in well crafted, contemporary English. For example, I love (what I have read of) Brothers Karamazov written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and translated into english by Andrew MacAndrew (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...w_myk_ro_title). Thank you so much for the suggestions!

sun surfer · 10-05-2012, 12:37 AM

Hi QofResh,

I'm big on finding the best translations too when there's multiple out there.

Pevear and Volokhonsky as a team translate many Russian classics and I've really enjoyed what I've read that they did (I've read some of their translations of Bulgakov, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy). Some say they can be too exact and don't focus as much on the "flow" but I think it's a plus they try to be so exact. They are contemporary and have translated many of their books recently within the last decade or two.

If you're into ancient classics, I recommend Richard Lattimore. Not sure what all he's done, but I read his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" and both were excellent. His translations are from around the 1960s or so. He focuses on close translation, simplicity, majesty of the language, the flow of poetry and the structure and does great at it.

Some say Lattimore's translations are older and can be more dense and less vibrant, but personally I think they're really fantastic. But if you're interested in ancient classics and want a translation more contemporary and modernly "readable", I've heard good things about Robert Fagles.

Hope that helps.

Alice Laquisha · 10-05-2012, 09:26 AM

Hi,

I have used the iphone app called Worldictionary which defines the translation of any word from one language to another language instantly. It is very easy to use and it allows me to save my search records which has been done through its Google, WikiPedia, and YouTube advanced search function.

You can try this and enjoy with it!!!

BenG · 10-05-2012, 10:18 AM

The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, translated by Jordan Stump

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, translated by Robin Buss

Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes, translated by Edith Grossman

10-04-2012, 11:45 PM	#1
QofResh Enthusiast Posts: 30 Karma: 500690 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: North Carolina Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Touch; Android Tablet (Asus TF300); PC App	Good English Language Translations of Foreign Books As a long time student of the Judeo-Christian Bible, I am keenly aware (and sensitive to) the importance of a good readable translation for the work under consideration. That said, there are many foreign language books (think the classics) that I would love to try, however I feel quite dubious about reading an outdated translation. What I am asking for is examples of well-loved foreign language books in well crafted, contemporary English. For example, I love (what I have read of) Brothers Karamazov written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and translated into english by Andrew MacAndrew (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...w_myk_ro_title). Thank you so much for the suggestions!

10-05-2012, 12:37 AM	#2
sun surfer keep calm and carry on Posts: 1,261 Karma: 6665144 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: the shade of the morning sun Device: ipad mini & sony 950	Hi QofResh, I'm big on finding the best translations too when there's multiple out there. Pevear and Volokhonsky as a team translate many Russian classics and I've really enjoyed what I've read that they did (I've read some of their translations of Bulgakov, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy). Some say they can be too exact and don't focus as much on the "flow" but I think it's a plus they try to be so exact. They are contemporary and have translated many of their books recently within the last decade or two. If you're into ancient classics, I recommend Richard Lattimore. Not sure what all he's done, but I read his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" and both were excellent. His translations are from around the 1960s or so. He focuses on close translation, simplicity, majesty of the language, the flow of poetry and the structure and does great at it. Some say Lattimore's translations are older and can be more dense and less vibrant, but personally I think they're really fantastic. But if you're interested in ancient classics and want a translation more contemporary and modernly "readable", I've heard good things about Robert Fagles. Hope that helps. __________________ apple trees and honey bees and snow white turtle doves

10-05-2012, 10:18 AM	#4
BenG Wizard Posts: 3,191 Karma: 39866013 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Triad Device: Paperwhite	The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne, translated by Jordan Stump The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, translated by Robin Buss Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes, translated by Edith Grossman __________________ Ben Mockingbird by Walter Tevis

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10-05-2012, 09:26 AM	#3
Alice Laquisha Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2012 Device: none	Hi, I have used the iphone app called Worldictionary which defines the translation of any word from one language to another language instantly. It is very easy to use and it allows me to save my search records which has been done through its Google, WikiPedia, and YouTube advanced search function. You can try this and enjoy with it!!!


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