The First Printed Translations into English of the Great Foreign Classics by Harris
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This book isn't a dry academic list. Instead, it's a journey back to a time when most people in England couldn't read French, Italian, or Spanish. William James Harris acts as a guide, showing us the moment someone first had the bold idea to put a major foreign work into English. He looks at early versions of classics like 'The Divine Comedy,' 'Don Quixote,' and ancient Greek epics, asking simple but fascinating questions: Who did this? Why did they take the risk? And what did their English version actually look like?
Why You Should Read It
If you love books, this changes how you see them. Harris makes you appreciate that every classic on your shelf had to cross a language barrier to get there. The book shines a light on these forgotten middlemen—the translators. Some did it for money, some for prestige, and some out of pure love for the story. Reading about their choices, their mistakes, and their successes makes the whole world of literature feel more connected and human. It's about the shared hunger for a great story, no matter where it comes from.
Final Verdict
Perfect for curious readers who have ever looked at a translation credit and wondered about the person behind it. It’s not a light beach read, but it’s surprisingly accessible. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the books you love and the invisible history they carry. If you enjoy the 'behind-the-scenes' stories of how things came to be, this is a treasure trove.
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Paul Lee
1 year agoIf you enjoy this genre, it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. Thanks for sharing this review.
Kevin Wilson
1 year agoUsed this for my thesis, incredibly useful.
Noah Young
1 month agoI was skeptical at first, but it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. Highly recommended.
Barbara Nguyen
6 months agoI had low expectations initially, however the plot twists are genuinely surprising. Exactly what I needed.
Edward Martinez
7 months agoA must-have for anyone studying this subject.