Really appreciate this discussion. I have been putting off Proust. I intend to tackle( at least) Swanns Way this year.I cannot thank you enough for highlighting these translations. I am actually surprised and amused that a publisher would put out a poor translation of this renowned book.
I had the same knee-jerk grossed out reaction as you when this book first came out and the opening sentence was doing the rounds on twitter. But then a lot of thoughtful comments pointed out how "time was" is fairly apt for proust's french style, and only feels so jarring because it's less in use nowadays and such a departure from the scott/moncrieff bible. but then i guess whats the point of translating proust at all if you don't stake out a terrain away from the default translation
I'm planning to reread Remembrance of Time Past in the somewhat near future. I read the Moncrieff the first time, but I thought I might try another translation this time. After watching this, I think I'll stick with Moncrieff or possible Davis. Thank you for this and for helping with my decision.
Yes. Matthew. More Brothers K. Looking forward to hearing your articulation on this historical beast of a novel. Can't wait for I think you said July 5th for the new translation. Our listeners will very much appreciate yours thoughts about the book. Keep them coming sir. Please. Ken😅
Really appreciate this discussion. I have been putting off Proust. I intend to tackle( at least) Swanns Way this year.I cannot thank you enough for highlighting these translations. I am actually surprised and amused that a publisher would put out a poor translation of this renowned book.
"Time was when I went to bed early. I don't know what that means." Omg you have me cracking up. Thank you Matthew.
Glad you enjoyed it!
"Time was when I always went to bed early".🤣I'm actually in shock! I think the translation of that sentence is a criminal act.
The actual line is "Longtemps, je me suis couche de bonne heure." in the original. No way that can be translated to "Time was .. "
@@365tage9 I commented about four weeks ago, and I'm still in shock over that sentence. 🤣
"Time was" is a common idiom with the same meaning as At one time, or There was a time, or Once upon a time, etc.
"Time was" is also the name of a great canned heat song
That Moncrieff start sounds much more literary to me!
I had the same knee-jerk grossed out reaction as you when this book first came out and the opening sentence was doing the rounds on twitter. But then a lot of thoughtful comments pointed out how "time was" is fairly apt for proust's french style, and only feels so jarring because it's less in use nowadays and such a departure from the scott/moncrieff bible. but then i guess whats the point of translating proust at all if you don't stake out a terrain away from the default translation
I'm planning to reread Remembrance of Time Past in the somewhat near future. I read the Moncrieff the first time, but I thought I might try another translation this time. After watching this, I think I'll stick with Moncrieff or possible Davis. Thank you for this and for helping with my decision.
Yes. Matthew. More Brothers K. Looking forward to hearing your articulation on this historical beast of a novel. Can't wait for I think you said July 5th for the new translation. Our listeners will very much appreciate yours thoughts about the book. Keep them coming sir. Please. Ken😅
Hey Matthew. Have you read any more of this translations since this video? Did you find it any more enjoyable as you went?
Hey, so far I haven't gotten back to it. Though it does deserve a better go around.