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There's several out there and it's very difficult discerning from reviews which is preferred. I would love to hear some thoughts on the the different translations and maybe even some comparisons. Right now I'm looking at translations by Peavear, Garnette, Briggs, Maude, and Unknown Signet Version. Right now I'm leaning towards the Peavear or Garnette just based on reviews.
Thanks. I might should add that what I like in translations are those that stick closer to the spirit of the language rather than directly accurate translations. However, I don't want them to be too far removed from the original text. I know it's a tricky balance, but would you say the Peavear nails the spirit of the book in Russian?
Ok, thanks. I'll get that version then.
From all that I have read the Maude translations are the best, though Pevear is supposed to be "refreshing". Maude met Tolstoy, spent a fair amount of time with him and corresponded with him. Tolstoy was very happy, quite pleased with his and his wife' translation and authorized it. What better review can one get than that? I have read the Maude translation several times as well as others, though those only once. I personally prefer Aylmer and Louise Maude's.
Oh, btw, Briggs himself said that the Maudes as translators (Louise did his novels while Aylmer did the nonfiction) were the masters. Tolstoy himself, who worked with them closely on the translations of his works, said that better translators were not in existence or some kind of high praise like that. I've read other translations and I prefer the Inner Sanctum Edition over all because of the additional info it has. You can get a copy with the chapter synopsis on ebay, but you may have to ask the seller if it has this little bookmark. Most copies are pretty cheap too, under $15.
I am currently reading the Garnett translation, which I find very good, after trying the newer Pevear unreadable due to a huge abundance of French. I have also been told that the Maude is good, but could not find a Maude in the B&N I went to.
Garnett also met Tolstoy, but may not have had the same level of friendship with him that the Maudes had.
The Maude version is available published by Norton Critical editions. You can also find it on eBay for very little as the Inner Sanctum edition which has a chapter summary and character list. I found the Inner Sanctum to be better than the Norton because it does include these things which makes the book easier to read in the beginning.