The Swedish translation of Timothy Snyder’s ”On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” has sparked controversy, with translator Anna Eklöf criticizing the original text for its lack of clarity and repetitive nature, describing it as ”tankeludd,” or fuzzy thinking. Eklöf, a respected translator born in 1930, even requested to use a pseudonym for the Swedish edition due to the perceived poor quality of Snyder’s manuscript. This situation raises questions about the editing process and the potential influence of an author’s reputation on the rigorousness of that process.
Eklöf cites specific instances where Snyder’s prose became incomprehensible, necessitating intervention. She recounts encountering a sentence so convoluted that she, in consultation with an editor and a philosopher brought in by the publishing house, added clarifying words to make it understandable to Swedish readers. This act of intervention underscores the translator’s role not just as a linguistic intermediary but also as a custodian of meaning, tasked with ensuring the text’s coherence and intelligibility in the target language. It also highlights the potential challenges that arise when translating work that might lack precision in its original form.
The controversy centers on the assertion that Snyder, lauded for his previous works on figures like Vladimir Putin, might have benefited from more robust editorial oversight. Eklöf suggests that the American publisher, seemingly intimidated by Snyder’s reputation, hesitated to challenge the opacity of his arguments. This raises broader concerns about the potential for an author’s stature to create a blind spot in the editorial process, potentially leading to the publication of works that might have benefited from more rigorous scrutiny. The implication is that a culture of deference might have inadvertently compromised the quality of the original text.
Albert Bonniers förlag, the Swedish publisher of the translated work, has responded to the criticism with a statement expressing concern and pledging a thorough review of the Swedish edition to ensure its adequacy. This response signals an awareness of the potential damage to their reputation and a commitment to addressing the issues raised by the translator. The review process likely involves a close comparison between the original text and the Swedish translation, paying particular attention to the areas where Eklöf intervened. This undertaking underscores the publisher’s responsibility for upholding the quality of its publications.
The controversy surrounding the Swedish translation of ”On Tyranny” casts a spotlight on the complex dynamics between authors, publishers, and translators. It highlights the crucial role of translators not merely as linguistic conduits but as active interpreters and guardians of meaning. Their expertise allows them to identify and potentially rectify weaknesses in the original text, contributing to a more coherent and accessible reading experience. This case also raises important questions about the editorial process, particularly the potential for an author’s reputation to influence the level of scrutiny applied to their work.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a reminder of the collaborative nature of book publishing and the importance of rigorous editorial oversight at every stage, regardless of an author’s established reputation. It reinforces the idea that the pursuit of clarity and precision in writing should be paramount, and that constructive feedback and challenges are essential for producing high-quality work. The translator’s role, in this case, extended beyond mere translation to include critical analysis and improvement of the text, demonstrating the value of a translator’s unique perspective and expertise. The publisher’s response, acknowledging the seriousness of the criticism and committing to a review, suggests a commitment to accountability and quality control in the face of potential shortcomings.
