Читать книгу Revenge of the Translator - Brice Matthieussent - Страница 14

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* Antique père océan: this phrase refers to Proteus in the Odyssey. He’s the god of the sea who watches over the grazing of herds of seals and other marine animals that belong to Poseidon. Gifted with the power of metamorphosis, Proteus can become not only an animal, but also an element, such as water or fire, to escape from inquiring minds. He lives on the island of Pharos, not far from the Nile Delta.

In the book that I’m translating, Translator’s Revenge (in French it should be, if the publisher agrees, Vengeance du Traducteur, but the publishers of course consult the managing editors as well as the sales representatives who in their turn consult the booksellers who then …Anyway, the jury is still out on the French title, it could just as easily become Panique à New York or La Séductrice de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or worse). Where was I? Oh yes, Proteus. This Greek god often reappears in the text under various forms as the tutelary divinity of the young American translator David Grey. (Translator’s Rote)