ABC of Translation: Poems & Drawings

by Willis Barnstone

"A learned, sprightly meditation on translation or literary 'transformation' . . . full of splendid examples, particularly from sacred literature, and repeatedly shows how much original genius is necessary to the true re-creation of any work."-Richard Wilbur (for The Poetics of Translation) The alphabet according to Willis Barnstone: B is for Between, I for Independence, S for Strictures . . . ABC of Translation is a series of poems that explore issues of translation and spirituality. Punctuated by Barnstone's powerful dry-ink paintings.

Willis Barnstone is a Guggenheim fellow, poet, scholar, and memoirist. His books include The Poetics of Translation, The Other Bible, and The New Covenant.

Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

Willis Barnstone is an American poet, memoirist, translator, Hispanist, and comparatist. He has translated the Ancient Greek poets and the complete fragments of the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus. He is also a New Testament and Gnostic scholar.

Reviews

[TAP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry about translators and their work. I am now more appreciative of the effort and creativity that goes into being a translator.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical, enlightening, inspiring and challenging. It's a work I'll need to return to often since there are many references in it which I am ignorant of or only have the most shallow familiarity with. Still, I found the book quite enjoyable and I think that the ideas presented are helpful for any artistic endeavor or craft, not just translating prose or poetry, because translation is such an essential feature of all cultural evolution, in fact even the evolution of life itself.
Recommended.

[Marisel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not into poetry, but definitely enjoyed this as a translator! I recommend it!