From: TonyProst@aol.com
Date: Tue Dec 01 1998 - 16:53:44 EST
Dear Professor Conrad,
I respect absolutely your vast erudition and deep learning, on which I count
regularly when I sign on line. With that said, let me say, I find your
attitude regrettably jaundiced. You are satisfied with the way things are.
Fine, don't translate. However, I am not as certain as you that nothing
remains to be done. I, myself, found what I consider to be a gem, the
Paraphrase of Nonnos, as a passing reference in a chapter on Christian
history. It is full of poetry that has been effectively lost for 1500 years,
beautiful language and interesting literary effects. I think it unlikely that
I serendipitously chanced upon the only work of merit not rendered into
English.
Moreover, translation is fun! There are varieties and levels of translation.
New Homer is being published at a phenomenal rate over the last fifty years,
and even the last five years! Each of them has its uses and beauties. Someone
(Samuel Johnson ?) said: "A very pretty book, Mr. Pope, but you must not call
it Homer!" But it is Homer, as much as Lattimore's, which is almost a RSV with
almost a one to one correspondence between the Greek and the English text.
I envy your ability to open a Greek text and read it. It is work for many of
us, and impossible for the vast majority of the population. But knowledge is
power, and information must be shared. You are no doubt kind in your
characterization of translators, but at least they are contributing to the sum
of human knowledge.
I had hoped for at least an endorsement from a man of your scholarship. Alas.
Regards,
Tony Prost
All Nonnos All Day
http://members.aol.com/tonyprost/index.html
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