My book of Martial translations
 

My book of translations of the Latin poet Martial has been accepted for publication by the University of Wisconsin Press. I'll be making the final revisions over the summer (because teaching keeps me too busy to do them during the school year) and the book will come out in late 2013 or early 2014. I have about 470 poems translated, with an introduction, bibliography, and notes. I started the book because of Mike Juster's asking on Eratosphere (in 2002, if I remember correctly) whether anyone would like to try their hand at translating a Martial epigram. Several of us did, and it was so fun that I got hooked and kept doing epigram after epigram until I had enough that I had to consider making a book of them. Once I decided that, I had to consider which poems needed to be included, not just which ones I felt like translating. It has been a long process, but one that I have enjoyed. My thanks to all who have helped along the way.

Susan

That is so impressive, Susan. Hearty congratulations.

That's on my wish-list - well done.

Four hundred seventy cheers. It's especially nice to know what ambitious projects the Sphere can inspire.

Congrats to our resident Martial artist!!
~,:^)

How many rude ones have you done, Susan?

Congratulations, Susan! Very impressive.

Best,
Jean

Way to go, Susan - can't wait for it.

Frank

Wonderful news, Susan. Congratulations!

Congratulations, Susan.

Nemo

Thanks, everyone. John, I haven't counted the number of obscene epigrams I translated, but there are a lot of them. Though it is a common misconception that most of Martial's epigrams are obscene, his reputation is linked to the ones that are, so I have tried to make the translations just as obscene as the originals. Since I am rhyming as well in my translations, my full vocabulary of obscenities got a workout. Caveat emptor. If you are easily offended, this is not the collection for you.

Susan

Wonderful news! A guaranteed good read. Congrats, Susan.

Best,

Ed

Ah, quite the contrary, Susan.

Oh it sounds like fun, Susan. Huge congrats! This is a major project for sure. And I loved the story you told about how you came to do it--sort of just falling into it. I find that encouraging.

Charlotte

Great news, Susan. Congratulations.

David R.

This is excellent news, Susan. I've seen a lot of these, and they were all good.

Great news, Susan! I'll be sure to buy a copy and spread the word in Denmark at least. I often teach Martial on Latin courses for beginners as he's fairly easy.

Duncan

Put this on the back cover, and I'll guarantee you a large sale.

Seriously, I love to see hard work crowned with success! This was a big project & finishing it is a major achievement. Welcome to the ranks of the Sphere's distinguished translators!