More on the art of translation

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by Solon

A worthy quotation.

I am dying to get my hands on a copy of Fagles' Aeneid, but I've been too poor to shell out the $30+. His translation of the Iliad is by far my favorite. I like to think his vivid imagery has a similar effect on me as hearing the Homeric Greek would have had on the ancient Greeks. I love reading Homer in Greek, but it will always be more difficult for me than reading Fagles' English.

Does it read this well throughout?

The imagery is indeed the part of the Iliad that really most takes my breath away. Who needs movies with that kind of imagery?

[Solon]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

Some people think Lombardo's is not enough the real deal, but I'm not at your level.

I don't buy the "I'm not at your level" routine from you. You don't have to know Greek to appreciate good writing. I've looked through Lombardo and it's fine. I just prefer Fagles' imagery. I find Fagles pretty faithful to the Greek, but you're right. I'm going to have to check out Pope too.