I embarked a few years ago on a literary translator journey but I hadn't yet heard of "After Babel". It seems to be an essential read! Thanking you for mentioning it; it's now on my "must read" list.
Hi Zina, good luck with the rest essay! I remember reading Steiner at university with an admiration bordering on reverence. Years later, I saw him give a talk in Mexico City. Although there were flashes of brilliance, he came over as irascible and not a little rude. "This is not a circus!" he shouted angrily at the photographers wanting to get an image of him onstage.
It was a reminder that it can be a real let down to see your idols in person. Or maybe I shouldn't have made him an idol in the first place?
Thank you! Wow. Interesting anecdote about Steiner, and sorry to hear he was like that. I’ve also been disappointed in people I’ve admired from afar. Talent and intellect does not always come with compassion or wisdom.
Thank you, Tara! I actually got through the part that was giving me the most trouble and it looks good. It definitely is right in the middle of word count, and I have a little bit more to write between sections but it flows much better now! ❤️
Thanks. The essay looks so much better. And yes... Steiner is such a wonderful discovery. I was browsing the semiotic/linguistic stacks of the library around Eco and Chomsky and picked him up. Providence!
This was a lovely reflection. Thank you. I do wish we had it translated, "Our Dad in Heaven." 😊 In my Rosary podcast, I use a quote from a blind missionary priest, Father Martin; I believe he's a distant cousin of St. Thérèse. From him, I picked up the habit of calling God, "Daddy!"
At the risk of further distracting you, I will tell you that one of the most powerful and disturbing pieces of writing I've ever read is the ending of George Steiner's controversial book, The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H."
I wrote a post about it, but with everything going on, giving George Steiner's Hitler the microphone seemed wrong. It seemed wrong to Steiner, too, especially when it was made into a play.
I embarked a few years ago on a literary translator journey but I hadn't yet heard of "After Babel". It seems to be an essential read! Thanking you for mentioning it; it's now on my "must read" list.
After Babel is absolutely a classic if you are interested in translation. Thanks for reading!
Hi Zina, good luck with the rest essay! I remember reading Steiner at university with an admiration bordering on reverence. Years later, I saw him give a talk in Mexico City. Although there were flashes of brilliance, he came over as irascible and not a little rude. "This is not a circus!" he shouted angrily at the photographers wanting to get an image of him onstage.
It was a reminder that it can be a real let down to see your idols in person. Or maybe I shouldn't have made him an idol in the first place?
Thank you! Wow. Interesting anecdote about Steiner, and sorry to hear he was like that. I’ve also been disappointed in people I’ve admired from afar. Talent and intellect does not always come with compassion or wisdom.
None of that is light, quick reading! 😅 Godspeed with the essay. I hope it is farther along already and right where you need it to be.
Thank you, Tara! I actually got through the part that was giving me the most trouble and it looks good. It definitely is right in the middle of word count, and I have a little bit more to write between sections but it flows much better now! ❤️
Good luck with the essay! Steiner is definitely worth the time.
Thanks. The essay looks so much better. And yes... Steiner is such a wonderful discovery. I was browsing the semiotic/linguistic stacks of the library around Eco and Chomsky and picked him up. Providence!
Thank you for the restack, Adam!
Go Zina! Cheering for you!
This was a lovely reflection. Thank you. I do wish we had it translated, "Our Dad in Heaven." 😊 In my Rosary podcast, I use a quote from a blind missionary priest, Father Martin; I believe he's a distant cousin of St. Thérèse. From him, I picked up the habit of calling God, "Daddy!"
Thank you, Angela! What a nice “Daddy” anecdote.
At the risk of further distracting you, I will tell you that one of the most powerful and disturbing pieces of writing I've ever read is the ending of George Steiner's controversial book, The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H."
I wrote a post about it, but with everything going on, giving George Steiner's Hitler the microphone seemed wrong. It seemed wrong to Steiner, too, especially when it was made into a play.
I will put a pin 📍 in this for a later date. Thank you!