The Translations of Valery Larbaud

The Translations of Valery Larbaud is a concise yet detailed study of Larbaud’s entire career as a translator. It will be of special interest to scholars of comparative literature and translation studies.

Allison Connell uses close analysis and comparative readings to show how Larbaud achieved the quality of translations for which he was famous.

Larbaud’s extensive translations of Samuel Butler and his role as rédacteur en chef in the translation of Joyce’s Ulysses into French are among his most significant achievements. In addition, he translated literary work from Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

Larbaud traveled widely and lived in several countries other than France. His work as a translator included literary exploration that advanced a sense of transnational human solidarity. Allison Connell’s study of Larbaud brings the significance of this cosmopolitan worldview into full consideration. 

Professor Connell writes in such a clear and precise way his book will be read with delight by scholars of comparative literature and literary history whether or not they are engaged in translation studies.