Hello everyone!
I have read Historia of Herodotus via several versions. Yet, the best one, according to my personal opinion, is perhaps George Rawlinson's translation. For some reasons, his language suits the style. I have come across a review:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...755C0A961948260
The Penguin Classic on Herodotus is plainly empty, really boring, as the language is too languid.
Could anyone give more opinions on this?
Full Version: The best translation of Historia (Herodotus)?
QUOTE (Boleslaw I @ Oct 23 2008, 01:30 AM) 
Hello everyone!
I have read Historia of Herodotus via several versions. Yet, the best one, according to my personal opinion, is perhaps George Rawlinson's translation. For some reasons, his language suits the style. I have come across a review:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...755C0A961948260
The Penguin Classic on Herodotus is plainly empty, really boring, as the language is too languid.
Could anyone give more opinions on this?
I have read Historia of Herodotus via several versions. Yet, the best one, according to my personal opinion, is perhaps George Rawlinson's translation. For some reasons, his language suits the style. I have come across a review:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...755C0A961948260
The Penguin Classic on Herodotus is plainly empty, really boring, as the language is too languid.
Could anyone give more opinions on this?
Hey Boleslaw I!
I've only read the first three books of the Penguin version of Herodotus' Histories. Since I haven't read the other versions I can't compare. Can you please tell me what the differences are between the Penguin translations and other translation? And howcome you find the Penguin version boring?
QUOTE (HappyHistorian @ Oct 23 2008, 02:10 AM)
Hey Boleslaw I!
I've only read the first three books of the Penguin version of Herodotus' Histories. Since I haven't read the other versions I can't compare. Can you please tell me what the differences are between the Penguin translations and other translation? And howcome you find the Penguin version boring?
I've only read the first three books of the Penguin version of Herodotus' Histories. Since I haven't read the other versions I can't compare. Can you please tell me what the differences are between the Penguin translations and other translation? And howcome you find the Penguin version boring?
Hello HappyHistorian
I would like to quote from version of George Rawlinson:
QUOTE
These are the researches of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, which he publishes, in the hope of thereby preserving from decay the remembrance of what men have done, and of preventing the great and wonderful actions of the Greeks and the Barbarians from losing their due meed of glory; and withal to put on record what were their grounds of feuds.
and here is from Penguin version:
QUOTE
Herodotus of Halicarnassus here displays his enquiry, so that human achievements may not become forgotten in time, and great and marvellous deeds – some displayed by Greeks, some by barbarians – may not be without their glory; and especially to show why the two peoples fought with each other.
Although it is true that the late 19th century language is more flowery than the latter, it must be emphasised that the Penguin version actually oversimplified the style of Herodotus.
Here is the same portion from the translation of G. C. Macaulay
QUOTE
This is the Showing forth of the Inquiry of Herodotus of Halicarnassos, to the end that[1] neither the deeds of men may be
forgotten by lapse of time, nor the works[2] great and marvellous, which have been produced some by Hellenes and some by Barbarians, may lose their renown; and especially that the causes may be rememberedfor which these waged war with one another.
forgotten by lapse of time, nor the works[2] great and marvellous, which have been produced some by Hellenes and some by Barbarians, may lose their renown; and especially that the causes may be rememberedfor which these waged war with one another.
I will let you to compare.
read both, Rawlinson is pretty good.
penquin is pretty dull, but readable.
Waterfield is okay too.
penquin is pretty dull, but readable.
Waterfield is okay too.
Thanks Boleslaw I!
It appears from those extracts that Rawlinson has the more interesting translation of Herodotus' Histories. I can see how the Penguin version is oversimplified. I suppose to truly enjoy the meaning of Herodotus you would have to read it in Ancient Greek!
It appears from those extracts that Rawlinson has the more interesting translation of Herodotus' Histories. I can see how the Penguin version is oversimplified. I suppose to truly enjoy the meaning of Herodotus you would have to read it in Ancient Greek!
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