Showing results for "Translation, History," in Literature & Fiction

A trans-siberian odyssey through political, criminal, scientific, philosophical and amorous intrigues, and into an endless winter to confront something utterly alien. The catalyst for this frosty metamorphosis of 20th century history is the impact of the Tunguska asteroid, deep in Siberia, in 1908. As the land freezes, so does history: the Tsar still rules Russia; the Belle Époque endures; and the First World War never happened. But out there, on the ice, a new world is being forged.

Electra, a powerful Greek tragedy by Sophocles, is shrouded in mystery regarding its exact date of composition. However, its stylistic connections with other works like Philoctetes (409 BC) and Oedipus at Colonus (401 BC) suggest it was crafted towards the twilight of Sophocles illustrious career. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War in the city of Argos, the play delves into the gripping tale of Electra and her brother Orestes as they seek vengeance against their mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus, for the brutal murder of their father, Agamemnon. - Summary by Wikipedia

Regarded by modern playwright Ellen McLaughlin as perhaps the greatest antiwar play ever written, Euripides The Trojan Women, also known as Troades, is a poignant tragedy that resonates deeply even today. Written in 415 BC against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War, this powerful work reflects on the devastating events surrounding the capture of Melos, where the Athenians brutally subjugated its people. This year was also marked by the notorious desecration of the hermai and the Athenians ill-fated second expedition to Sicily—events that likely influenced Euripides’ writing. The Trojan ...

Oedipus Rex (Ancient Greek Οἰδίπους Τύραννος, Oidipous Tyrannos) is a timeless Athenian tragedy penned by Sophocles, first performed around 429 BC. This version, translated by the esteemed classicist Gilbert Murray, offers a fresh perspective on the title, rendering it as Oedipus, King of Thebes. Positioned as the second play in Sophocless trilogy, it holds a crucial place in the historical timeline, preceding Oedipus at Colonus and followed by Antigone. The narrative unfolds the harrowing story of Oedipus, who rises to become the king of Thebes while fatefully fulfilling a ...

Homer’s Iliad stands as the cornerstone of Western literature, masterfully unfolding the dramatic events of the final year of the Trojan War across twenty-four books of Greek hexameter poetry. This renowned translation by Alexander Pope, crafted in captivating rhyming couplets, is often hailed as one of the greatest feats of literary translation in English. Dive into this epic narrative that begins with the furious wrath of Achilles and culminates with the poignant burial of Hector, the noble horseman. (Introduction by Steve Perkins)

Sophocles Antigone is a stirring artistic rebellion against tyranny that has resonated through the ages. This timeless tragedy, translated and adapted countless times, speaks to the persistent struggles against oppression that define the human experience. Antigones courageous defiance of Creons arbitrary and unyielding laws remains profoundly relevant even in the third millennium CE. Written during a period of national fervor in 441 BC, shortly after Sophocles was appointed as one of the ten generals for a military campaign against Samos, the play stands out for its lack of overt political ...

Worried that old age will inevitably mean losing your libido, your health, and possibly your marbles too? Well, Cicero has some good news for you. In How to Grow Old, the great Roman orator and statesman eloquently describes how you can make the second half of life the best part of all - and why you might discover that reading and gardening are actually far more pleasurable than sex ever was.

The Aeneid stands as the most renowned Latin epic poem, crafted by the illustrious Virgil in the 1st century BC. This timeless tale follows the legendary hero Aeneas, a Trojan prince who bravely leaves the ruins of his homeland to guide his fellow Trojans to a new destiny in Italy, ultimately becoming the forefather of the Romans. The first six books of this epic recount Aeneas’ adventurous journey from the ashes of Troy to the shores of Italy, while the latter half delves into the Trojans triumphant battles against the Latins. Experience this captivating story through J.W. MacKails eloquent...

In this captivating exploration of Count Tolstoys genius, we find him not confined to the realms of realism or naturalism, but rather soaring as an impressionist. His storytelling, while occasionally lacking in precise detail, paints vivid scenes that transcend historical accuracy. Imagine an artist crafting a battle with colors and emotions rather than exact lines; this is Tolstoys gift. One is drawn into a mesmerizing flow of life, where the court and camp, towns and countrysides, nobles and peasants are all brought to life with striking clarity. As we journey through the pages, we encounter...

“War and Peace” is an epic literary journey that stands as its own testament, perhaps needing no introduction at all. It evokes the image of a grand river, flowing powerfully with the weight of destiny. As you navigate its waters, you encounter floating remnants—logs, ice, and even the shadows of lives lost, all of which are markers of the current’s relentless force. The landscapes unfold before you, revealing bustling cities, harrowing terrains, and breathtaking rapids. Whether the waters are murky or crystal clear, they surge forward unceasingly. This is the essence of “War and ...

Dive into Leo Tolstoy’s monumental historical novel, which intricately weaves the tapestry of the Napoleonic wars in Russia. Revered as one of the greatest literary masterpieces, this translation by Aylmer and Louise Maude brings to life the depth of human experience during this tumultuous period. Volume 4 encompasses Books 12 through 17, spanning the years 1812 to 1820, as it explores the profound effects of war and peace on society and individuals alike. - Summary by the reader

For students of Middle English, Andrew and Waldron's The Poems of the Pearl Manuscript has been the key edition of the four Pearl poems for over 30 years. With the changing needs of today's students in mind, the editors produced a complete prose translation of the four poems - the best known of which is "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The near-literal translations are intended to facilitate understanding of the four poems - to lead readers to, rather than away from, the original texts.

Historical fiction author, Julia Sullivan discusses her Amazon Best Seller novel "Bone Necklace" about how a small band of Nez Perce held off four converging armies in the summer of 1877 so their familes could escape to Canada. Julia shares what compelled her to write about a history and a people she knew nothing about- until she did...

Ajax is a Greek tragedy written in the 5th century BC. The date of Ajax's first performance is unknown and may never be found, but most scholars regard it as an early work, c. 450 - 430 BC. It chronicles the fate of the warrior Ajax after the events of the Iliad, but before the end of the Trojan War. At the onset of the play, Ajax is enraged because Achilles' armor was awarded to Odysseus, rather than to him. He vows to kill the Greek leaders who disgraced him. Before he can enact his extraordinary revenge, though, he is tricked by the goddess Athena into believing that the sheep and cattle ...