Knopf’s objective that translated books should be read as if it were originally produced in English and “any apparatus that might suggest otherwise is strictly curtailed” reminded me of how last week some of the books didn’t have the translator credited anywhere on the cover or inside page as a way to appeal to readers. But if the book was actually produced in English, I wonder if the covers would actually be designed the way they are. The cover for the English counterparts of Grotesque sexualize/speak to some fascination with oriental subjects and suggests that the book is foreign. So the book cover design vs the translations seem in a way to be double standard.
Regardless, Copeland’s point about editorial reshaping was quite interesting: what is considered faithful? What is the “original” we are being faithful to—the writing of the text or the “reading experience.” If the translation is faithful to the text but readers who aren’t familiar with “concept-driven novels” aren’t able to understand what’s going on or feel interested in it, the translation might not be successful.
Just a small aside but I’m glad translators are being credited in more obvious places now.
Lesley
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