Andrey Platonov: new edition of HAPPY MOSCOW (NYRB Classics)

[Marian Schwartz]

It has been many years since Robert Chandler began his Platonov quest.
 I've been around long enough to have seen the beginnings.

When he began, Platonov was not even on the English-reading world's radar.
 And for those of us who could read him in the original, it was not at all
clear how what Platonov was doing  might be conveyed in English.  There was
nothing straightforward about understanding--let alone creating--this voice.

Now, thanks to Robert Chandler--because no matter how many others have
contributed to this work, the voice is his--we have a substantial body of
work by Platonov available in English, and this work has a coherent and
powerful aesthetic vision.  I am sure others will translate Platonov again
in the future; there can only be excellent, not definitive, translations of
such complex and influential works.  But this has been an exemplary process
and outcome and will be the standard for all others that come.

Michael Emmerich, the fine Japanese translator, once said that he didn't
understand all this talk about what was lost in translation: previously,
the work didn't exist in English and now it did. A 100% gain.  This was
partly in jest, of course, but I think of it when I consider what  Robert
Chandler has accomplished.

I am filled with admiration and gratitude.

Robert Chandler's Platonov is a feat to inspire.

Regards to all,
Marian Schwartz

On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 8:27 AM, Robert Chandler <kcf19 at dial.pipex.com>wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> NYRB Classics have just brought out a new edition of HAPPY MOSCOW.  This
> will include a slightly revised version of the translation previously
> published in the UK by Harvill, together with a number of other short works
> closely related to HAPPY MOSCOW:
> 1. the short stories: 'A Sparrow's Journey', 'Moscow Violin'
> 2. the film script, Father-Mother
> 3. the essay 'On the First Socialist Tragedy'
>
> The essay is one of the classic ecological texts of the last century.  The
> film script is witty and unlike anything else I know.  And "A Sparrow's
> Journey" is one of Platonov's most perfect stories.
>
> Many SEELANGERS contributed to these translations, some in small ways,
> some in very big ways.  My thanks to all of you!
>
> And please do all you can to support NYRB in their efforts to bring
> Platonov the recognition he deserves!!!
>
> All the best,
>
> Robert
>
> Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD
>
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