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The legend of the Evening Star

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"The Legend" is one of the most representative "chef d'oeuvre" for the Romanian literature. It was born from an impressive ability of translating folklore into real art, using a modern view upon an ancient motif. Apart from being a priceless treasure of language, "The Legend" was built on an eternal discrepancy : between immortality and mere existence, between genius'superiority and human wickedness, between deep thought and superficiality, between insensitivity and real love. In a word, it is about high aims of perfection to which love is paid as tribute.

As a native Romanian who has read this fantastic poem in both languages, I can say that this superb piece of work is the closest to a perfect translation that I have read thus far. Although in my mind it still fails to capture the phenomenal magic and unexplainable charm of the original poem, it is a must-read for English-speakers nevertheless. I have always adored Eminescu's work as brilliant and amazingly expressive, and it makes me happy to see that it is available to a broader range of readers in a format that would even make the author proud.

This translation of Mihai Eminescu's masterwork captures the essence of the original work's musicality and poetic nuance. Translated in the style of English-language poetry of the period (late 19th Century), it flows easily and is rewarding when read aloud. Mr. Sahlean is justly considered the premiere translator of Eminescu into English, and this illustrated edition succeeds as a tribute to Romania's "National Poet".

There is no sense of limitation or restriction found in some translations, and especially gratifying are lines and stanzas that capture the imagination. My favorites include: "Men merely live by stars of luck/ And star-crossed fatefulness..." and "Sweet scented blossom fills the air/And falls in silver rain..." There are many other moments of surpassing beauty to be found within this work--it will become a treasured addition to any poetry collection.

Eminescu is a genius...and like a real genius is unknown...his book is reflecting a life that emboded experience of centuries...and then he died at 33...in a mental clinic, forgotten by his contemporaires. If we wouldn't of had a knowledge of paradise, Eminescu would of have descover it for us, and more...would'ff open the gates, so that we could get in...actually he did it...

Yes, I challange anybody to read this superb poem and see if this is not better than any shakepearean poem. The English translation could have not been better!

I believe that this work ranks with the poetry of Blake or Shakespeare even though they lieved in different centuries.
Too bad that in the english language this poetry doesn't sound the same because english is not close-related to latin like romanian laguage is. Therefore I still recommend you to read it, and to see the beautiful myth behind it!

Mihail Eminescu's poem "Luceafarul" is often considered the greatest acheivement of Romanian literature, and it ranks highly among world literature in the Romantic vein. In THE LEGEND OF THE EVENING STAR Adrian George Sahlean gives us a translation into English of this melancholy tale of impossible love.

This translation is quite poor. Sahlean, a former translator for UNESCO, is not a native speaker of English and, though his translation of more technical matters might be fine, this work of art suffers under his management. Un- or barely-grammatical constructions abound as in, "[I] came on Earth with my serene from waters to be born." It is traditional that people translate only *into* their native language, and Sahlean's product here shows why. The volume is adorned with drawings by Traian Alexandru Filip. These avant-garde depictions which do not congrue at all with the Romantic style of Eminescu's writing.

About the only thing this poem has to recommend itself is that it has the poem in the original Romanian. Therefore, students of Romanian may find this the least expensive or most easily obtainable manner of enjoying Eminescu's superb poem.

I deeply recommend enjoying "Luceafarul", a work adored in Romania but unfairly neglected abroad. However, this particular translation is disappointing.