Quote:
Originally Posted by Archaea
I have often wondered why the translator does not receive more acclaim. As a part time translator, I can tell you that no two translations are of the same quality. So if you like the lyrical quality of a translation, it's often because you like the lyrical abilities of the translator.
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Actually, this has much changed. Translators often now receive joint billing with the authors, particularly on major works. For example,
http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Faustus...2555379&sr=1-3
I often see translators praised in reviews as they justly should be. The recent renditions of the Greek epic poems, The Divine Comedy, Beowulf and the Aeneid have been miraculous and praise has been heaped on the translators. Translations of course are also protected by copyright even as older ones have expired. Even in the past certain translations have been recognized as works of genius, as for example, Alexander Pope's version in rhyming couplets, which was recognized as pretty much a whole new work of poetry altogether.
To expand your point here is an interesting web site I found comparing five different translations of the opening of the Iliad.
http://www.editoreric.com/greatlit/t...ons/Iliad.html
But of course we know it's a proven fact that the King James Version is the one God most approves of for the Bible, because those were the words JS saw in the magic eyeglass!