10-04-2012, 11:45 PM | #1 |
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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foreign language books (think the classics) that I would love to try, however I feel quite dubious about reading an outdated translation.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 |
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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. |
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10-05-2012, 10:18 AM | #3 |
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