Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
^^I think it's always worth paying for a good modern translation of any classic dating back to the nineteenth century and earlier, and the more so the longer or more difficult the book. Dated translations are foolish economies, IMO.
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This is true if you wish to read a version of the classic translated using current guidelines, where all the words fit the current dictionary definitions, and any superimposed style will better match modern tastes. That said, older translations do have their uses.
I'm currently reading 16th century translation of St. Augustine's
Confessions (with modernized spelling). This is a book that I've previously read using a modern translation making it a good method for acquiring a familarity for 16th century English. If I'm confused I still have the modern translation. So far, so good.