The controversy surrounding the Swedish translation of Timothy Snyder’s book ”On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” erupted when Swedish public broadcaster SVT revealed discrepancies between the original and translated versions. Translator Margareta Eklöf had added a clause comparing the Nazi view of the German people to a body, a comparison not present in Snyder’s original text. Furthermore, she translated the word ”team” as ”body,” altering the meaning and context. This unauthorized addition, particularly given its sensitive historical context, sparked immediate criticism, including from Snyder himself. He argued that the alteration fundamentally distorted his message.
The publisher, Albert Bonniers förlag, responded swiftly to the escalating situation, announcing their decision to commission a new translation and withdraw the existing copies from circulation. They acknowledged the book’s international acclaim and its important contribution to the discourse on freedom, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the Swedish version accurately reflected Snyder’s original intent. This decision underscores the publisher’s recognition of the gravity of the situation and their desire to uphold the book’s integrity and its author’s voice. The incident highlights the delicate balance between a translator’s role in conveying meaning across languages and the imperative to respect the author’s original work.
Eklöf, in her response to the controversy, stated she had no objections to a new translation being undertaken. However, she maintained that her alterations were made in consultation with the editor and a philosopher consulted by the publisher, aiming to clarify what she perceived as unclear passages in Snyder’s manuscript. She also mentioned that she had initially requested to work under a pseudonym, citing concerns about the manuscript’s quality. Eklöf’s characterization of the original text as ”tankeludd” (loosely translated as ”fuzzy thinking”) further illustrates her perceived issues with Snyder’s writing. This clash in perspectives – Eklöf’s view of the text as needing clarification versus Snyder’s view of the changes as distorting – lies at the heart of the controversy.
The publisher’s initial response to the emerging concerns about Eklöf’s changes was to conduct a thorough review of the translated text to ensure its accuracy and fidelity to the original. This initial step, however, eventually proved insufficient given the significant nature of the alterations and the author’s strong reaction. The decision to commission a completely new translation underscores the publisher’s commitment to rectifying the situation and delivering a Swedish version that accurately reflects Snyder’s intended message. The incident highlights the importance of rigorous quality control processes in translation, especially for works dealing with complex historical and political themes.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the role and responsibilities of translators. While translators are tasked with conveying meaning accurately across languages, they must also respect the author’s original intent and avoid imposing their own interpretations or biases. The controversy raises questions about the appropriate level of intervention a translator can make in a text, particularly when they perceive ambiguities or shortcomings. The balance between clarifying meaning and preserving authorial voice is a crucial element of the translator’s craft, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when this balance is disrupted.
The new translation of ”On Tyranny” is scheduled for release in 2025, giving the publisher ample time to ensure a faithful and accurate rendition of Snyder’s work. This incident serves as a valuable learning experience for the publishing industry, highlighting the importance of clear communication between authors, translators, and editors throughout the translation process. It also underscores the need for robust quality control measures to prevent similar controversies in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay of trust and responsibility in the literary world, where preserving the author’s voice is paramount. The ultimate goal is to ensure that readers have access to accurate and reliable translations that contribute meaningfully to public discourse.
