2 Odysseus 2 Ithaca: Emily Wilson is completely retranslating The Odyssey. “It’s a complete retranslation. It’s not a revision of the old version.” This is the exact opposite of resting on one’s laurels.
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Comments 3
I love her so much. Can’t wait to read her new book of essays.
The humorist (and TV star) B.J. Novak wrote a short story about the greatest translator in the world called, "J. C. Audetat, Translator of Don Quixote."
It is a short story from the collection, One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories, about a poet who achieves massive global fame by becoming a legendary translator, not unlinke Emily Wilson.
The twist, of course, is what makes it hilarious and poignant. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read and likes humor. Also, if you have ever worked on translations, this is revealing. You don't have to be a Walter Benjamin fan to get the joke.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/234404/one-more-thing-by-bj-novak/
I had a four-week wait to catch Nolan’s movie (saw it last week), and decided to use the time to read Wilson’s translation side-by-side with the new Mendelsohn one. After absorbing all three takes on this tale, let’s just say that I understand why Wilson wants to try again.
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