10-10-2010, 10:05 PM | #1 |
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The best translated Book you've ever read
As Harry T has pointed out in the classic thread, reading a translated book may not match up with the original book in the original language.
So, what is the best translated books you;ve ever read? (To me, it's like the best Classic work thread, too many great works, each do different that I can't judge between them. Hopefully you can...) |
10-10-2010, 10:50 PM | #2 |
Wizzard
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Astérix, from French to UK English (they did some specific US translations awhile ago, but those were boring and sucked).
The Astérix albums are very pun and cultural reference-heavy, and translators Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge did a brilliant job finding British equivalents that were often just as funny and fitting, if not more so. For more "literary" works, I'd have to say various translations from the Oulipo movement, simply because of sheer technical difficulty on top of the usual one-language-to-another issues. Especially that book which was written without using the letter E, which the translators have apparently taken it upon themselves to try and replicate said feat in their own languages. One day I shall have to try collecting their efforts, whether or not I can actually read them. As for Oulipo translations I've actually read and can compare to the originals, I myself own two different illustrated versions of Exercices de Style, and have read both the very nicely adapted English translation, and also the excellent graphic novel homage, from the library. |
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10-10-2010, 11:01 PM | #3 |
Is that a sandwich?
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Are you asking for books where we read both original and translated editions?
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10-10-2010, 11:04 PM | #4 |
Opsimath
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"Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu
Translated into German by Richard Wilhelm then into English by Cary F. Baynes. Having read more than 15 different translations of this work, the Wilhelm/Baynes translation is far and away my favorite. They did a fantastic job of the 'I Ching' as well, perhaps the most readable translation, but not as accurate as some others. Stitchawl Last edited by Stitchawl; 10-11-2010 at 07:10 AM. |
10-10-2010, 11:14 PM | #5 |
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I read the Bantam edition of The Count of Monte Cristo and enjoyed it very much.
I never felt like I was missing out because I was not reading it in its original language, although I would be happy to believe anyone who has read them both who told me that the original was better.. |
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10-11-2010, 01:56 AM | #6 |
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I only read translations of books where I can't read the original language. Which means I can't say which translation I find best (nothing to compare it to...)
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10-11-2010, 04:07 AM | #7 |
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There are many good translations. A translation is always difficult, because language is more than just a grouping of words. Some words have special meaning for which there is no substitute. That is why I prefer to read the original language, if I can (are you hearing me, US and UK publishers!).
Having said that, I think there are a number of good translations to dutch. - Asterix (never would have thought of that without ATDrake, thanks!) - Lord of the Rings (actually both translations, the official and unoffical) - Wheel of Time There are more, but I tend to read English as much as I can. |
10-11-2010, 04:19 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
In 1996, Penguin Classics commissioned a new translation by Robin Buss which is faithful to the original, although it's written in "modern" language which I personally find to be at odds with the historical setting. Regardless of omissions from the original text, though, the Chapman and Hall translation is one of the my favourite adventure stories; it's a cracking good read. |
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10-11-2010, 04:23 AM | #9 |
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Best translated book I've read would probably be the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Best translation of a book that I've read would be Fagles' Iliad, it really highlights the difference a translator can make. |
10-11-2010, 04:30 AM | #10 | ||
It's about the umbrella
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Since this thread is talking about translation, there was a post on forum just recently linking to an article about this.
Michael Cunningham on reading and writing, and translating Quote:
Quote:
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10-11-2010, 05:18 AM | #11 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
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10-11-2010, 05:46 AM | #12 |
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It is available as an eBook. I think I'll buy it myself - it's a few years since I read the book, and I'd like to read it again.
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10-11-2010, 06:06 AM | #13 |
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10-11-2010, 06:18 AM | #14 |
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The new translation of Anna Karenina by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.
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10-11-2010, 07:12 AM | #15 | |
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Slightly off-topic, but I must share this one. It's a review on the Penguin version of the Count of Monte Cristo. A 1-star review at that:
http://www.amazon.com/review/RK6OQ9T...tag=&linkCode= Quote:
You should read the entire review, but be sure you secure yourself upon your seat, or you'll fall off! |
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