GW answers “Is this translation good?”

Jared Rosen asked this question about Don Quixote:

Is this translation good?

GW I just finished reading the 1942 Putnam translation, and I had tried to read the Grossman edition, but I found it not as lyrical and the subtleties of…moreI just finished reading the 1942 Putnam translation, and I had tried to read the Grossman edition, but I found it not as lyrical and the subtleties of true Spanish Comedy did not come out as I expected. The later was block like and became awkward prose. Since I have read Lope de Vega I found Cervantes also, a genius but the right translation makes all the difference. As it stands, and I have an extensive classics read repertoire, the Putnam classic, Don Quixote is the best novel I've ever read. topping Germinal, by Zola in a foot race challenge to the top.(less)

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