Some of the LXX is quite literal; while other parts of it are quite
paraphrastic. A good introduction to the OT will discuss the LXX and its
many idiosyncresies (or some such spelling!!!).
> I've heard that there were many (~70)
This is myth pure and simple. The LXX is a text which was translated by
various persons in various places over decades if not centuries.
>translators some were good translators and some were beginning students.
>I've heard that the translators who did the Torah did a great job but
>the
>ones who did Isaiah were inept.
>
This is not quite right. Again, a good intro to the OT will discuss such
things. I especially like Eissfeldt (though he is a little dated now).
>I'm not interested in which books may have more scribal errors but the
>quality of the original translations. I'd like get your impressions for
>each of the Old Covenant books - or perhaps a web site for further
>information.
>
All in all, the LXX reflects a text which in places is similar to the MT and
in other places quite dissimilar. In short, there are no brief answers
possible to your questions and the best I can do is point you to Eissfeldt.
The LXX experts on the list can fill in more details once you have done the
basic work.
>David Wilens
Jim
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Jim West
Adjunct Professor of Bible,
Quartz Hill School of Theology
jwest@highland.net