The Art of Bible Translation

Description

From the recipient of the National Jewish Book Award for Lifetime Achievement, a "hugely entertaining and irreverent" (Adam Gopnik, New Yorker) account of the art of translating the Hebrew Bible into English In this brief book, award-winning biblical translator and acclaimed literary critic Robert Alter offers a personal and passionate account o

Robert Alter is professor of the Graduate School and emeritus professor of Hebrew and comparative literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of more than two dozen books, including The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary, for which he received the National Jewish Book Award for Lifetime Achievement. His other awards include the Robert Kirsch Award for Lifetime Contribution to American Letters, among other awards. He lives in Berkeley, California.

"Hugely entertaining and irreverent."---Adam Gopnik, New Yorker "In a series of short essays, [Alter] delves into the minutiae of word choice, syntax and rhythm that make up the substance of a translator's work." * New York Times Book Review * "In this slim work, Mr. Alter sets out the principles that govern his translation while also delivering his pointed commentary on almost all other modern versions."---Eric Ormsby, Wall Street Journal "Alter provides a refreshing look into the complex work of translating the Bible." * Publishers Weekly * "Alter's book is a short masterclass in how to appreciate biblical language. We may read through the veil of translation but it helps us glimpse the colour of the original."---Simon Rocker, Jewish Chronicle "An essential companion volume to [Alter's] own translations."---Jonathan Kirsch, Jewish Journal "In The Art of Bible Translation, Alter provides an intriguing insight into the complexities he faced in producing, single-handed, his translation of the Hebrew Bible. It makes fascinating reading."---Neville Teller, Jerusalem Post