The Poetry of Translation

The Poetry of Translation presents a comprehensive exploration of a new theory regarding poetry translation, examining various poem-translations throughout the history of English literature. The author engages with significant debates in translation studies and offers fresh interpretations of renowned works, including Pope's Iliad, Pound's Cathay, and Dryden's Aeneis. While poetry is often deemed untranslatable, the book highlights that many English poems are, in fact, translations, challenging the conventional belief that translation diminishes poetic essence.

The author argues that the term 'translation' can be misleading, as it conjures the image of merely transferring content from one language to another. Instead, the book emphasizes alternative metaphors that poets have used to describe the translation process. These metaphors—such as opening, desire, passion, and transformation—suggest that poetry translation can be a dynamic and creative act, rather than a simple transfer of meaning. By examining the historical context and the nuances of the original poems, the author illustrates how translation can breathe new life into the source material.

Ultimately, The Poetry of Translation reinstates the significance of poetry translation within English literature, encouraging readers to revisit and appreciate both celebrated and overlooked translations. Through its innovative approach, the book invites a re-examination of how translation functions as a means of artistic expression, revealing the intricate relationship between original works and their translated counterparts.