Kyle answers “Is this translation good?”

Jared Rosen asked this question about Don Quixote:

Is this translation good?

Kyle This 2000 translation by John Rutherford was my choice when I sat down and compared different translations before choosing one to buy back in 2011. (I…moreThis 2000 translation by John Rutherford was my choice when I sat down and compared different translations before choosing one to buy back in 2011. (It wasn't money, I was concerned if I'd enjoy reading 1100 pages).

I compared a paragraph when Ginés de Pasamonte is introduced between a few different translations using Google Books. I simply couldn't shake the impression that Rutherford's version was the easiest and most entertaining version to read.

I found a blog comparing, quickly, the different styles used by translators over the years (blog is called Frankly Curious, punch that and Don Quixote into Google and you'll find it) and his takeaway (that I agree with) is that Rutherford's version is the most entertaining to read.

Here's what I tell people: "I don't read many books, but I consider Don Quixote to be my favorite book - specifically the John Rutherford version. The writing style of it was so much fun to read that I swear it changed the way I wrote emails, text messages, and essays (I was in university at the time) for at least six months."

I'm hoping to re-read it this summer 2020. Which I never do with any other books.(less)

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