Performing Without a Stage: The Art of Literary Translation [Hardcover]

Robert Wechsler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

A lively and comprehensive introduction to the art of literary translation for readers of foreign fiction and poetry who wonder what it takes to translate, how the art of literary translation has changed over the centuries, what problems translators face in bringing foreign works into English, and how they go about solving these problems. It is based on extensive reading, on dozens of interviews with translators, and on the author's ten years of experience editing literary translations.

Editorial Reviews

From The Washington Post

...a passionate, enthralling new book ... Throughout, the tone is conversational, jargon-free, sometimes angry and frequently funny.... Above all, this book is quite inspiring.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Catbird Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945774389
• ISBN-13: 978-0945774389
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #681,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cautionary: Weighted heavily in favor of poetry!, October 14, 2000

By 

Bruce Humes (Kunming, China) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Performing Without a Stage: The Art of Literary Translation (Hardcover)

I bought the book and have read 1/3 of it. While the author is unquestionably qualified and writes well, I do have a beef: Many, perhaps most of the examples cited in the first third of the book relate to poetry. This is a personal disappointment, because I translate prose and frankly find it hard to relate to the technical issues he focuses on, e.g., rhyme, meter, etc. As long as you are aware of this, the book is a good read and arguably of interest to those who dabble in literary translation, as well as professionals.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for translators and readers alike, June 9, 2000

By 

Kirk McElhearn "Freelance writer and translator" (A town in the French Alps) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Performing Without a Stage: The Art of Literary Translation (Hardcover)

One of the most interesting books on literary translation. Explains why and how translators translate, and gives a thorough analysis of the craft of literary translation.

This book will help readers understand what translation is all about, and will help translators put into words many of their deepest feelings.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Appreciating translation and translators, June 23, 2007

By 

Marta M. Bianchi (Guatemala, Guatemala) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Performing Without a Stage: The Art of Literary Translation (Hardcover)

Robert Wechsler's appreciation of Translation and the translator's work is clearly evidenced throughout this wonderfully written book.
The book provides wonderful references, resources and magnificent examples of all that involved in translation and I highly recommend this book for both translators and students who want to truly understand the meaning and value of this literary art.