John Fredrick answers “I'm trying to find the best translation...”

Amy asked this question about War and Peace:

I'm trying to find the best translation available on kindle as I live on an island with no bookshops or viable postal service. Any advice?

John Fredrick As it's (with Nabokov's Pale Fire) my favorite book, I have read them all. P and V are far and away the most klutzy--I detest their rendering of Anna …moreAs it's (with Nabokov's Pale Fire) my favorite book, I have read them all. P and V are far and away the most klutzy--I detest their rendering of Anna Karenina as well; it's as though they've aimed for the reader who's looking for the "easiest to read" version and not the most beautiful. Briggs rocks, but so does, for my money, Rosemary Edmonds. The Maude and Garnett translations work well enough. So there you have it. (less)

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