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Alexander III
03-02-2011, 05:30 PM
I was wondering if anyone here has read this book, as I recently stumbled upon some of Pessoa's poems and I am rather enjoying him, so now I want to read what many call his greatest work. What translations did you guys use and which one would you think is best?
JCamilo
03-02-2011, 06:37 PM
It is not a poetic work and really, the only reason people classify it as one of his major works, is because looks like a great work, instead of his collections of poems. It is worth reading, but I do know how it goes as english go and how well someone fare not being familiar with all Pessoa's creations.
mayneverhave
03-02-2011, 09:18 PM
I have the Penguin ed. of the Book of Disquiet (translated by Richard Zenith, who also translates the Pessoa and co. poems).

Though I prefer his poetry, Pessoa's book is definitely a worthwhile reading experience, but not one you should undertake if you are easily rattled by very cynical, slightly depressing subject matter, nor if you are looking for an actual story. The Book of Disquiet wasn't actually arranged by Pessoa; it's sections (at least in the Zenith translation) are arranged by theme. Because of this, it makes quite a good book you can dip in and out of without reading for an extended period of time, starting at whatever section you like.
mal4mac
03-03-2011, 11:46 AM
I also have the Zenith translation. It's one of my favourite works. It's difficult to classify, a sort of ragbag collection of essays and diary entries by one of Pessoa's alter-egos. As a reading experience it's up there with the essays of Montaigne and Schopenhauer. I don't find it rattling at all, more comforting in its harsh realism.
Heteronym
03-07-2011, 06:15 PM
It's one of the greatest books I've ever read. It's depressing, sarcastic, caustic, ironic, melancholy, erudite, playful, insane...
Alexander III
03-08-2011, 04:13 PM
Thanks guys, I think I shall go with the Zenith translation then.
Heteronym
03-08-2011, 04:49 PM
Yes, Zennith is your best option. He's one of the finest Pessoa scholars in the world and has done a lot to promote him around the globe.
loe
03-10-2011, 01:21 PM
It's one of the greatest books I've ever read. It's depressing, sarcastic, caustic, ironic, melancholy, erudite, playful, insane...
/signed.

I really love this book.
mal4mac
03-15-2011, 09:00 AM
Yes, Zennith is your best option. He's one of the finest Pessoa scholars in the world and has done a lot to promote him around the globe.

I prefer Zenith's translation...