Next Book Club Text

[stlukesguild]

It appears that all who have participated in this discussion as of now have voted. It would seem that Verlaine is our man. The goal now, presumably, is to select a text by Verlaine... or does everyone already have such? As I noted earlier, I have three different collections/translations and would be open to employing any of them or all of them.

So...


1. What text are we using?

2. When should we begin posting poems and beginning the discussion?

[JBI]

I'm fine with any common volume, as I will grab it from the library along with a French copy.

[mayneverhave]

We should agree on a translation, correct?

I know nothing of Verlaine, so perhaps someone could recommend a volume?

[Virgil]

We should agree on a translation, correct?

I know nothing of Verlaine, so perhaps someone could recommend a volume?

I don't either. I will need some guidence as well.

[stlukesguild]

I have the Selected Poems by C.F. MacIntyre, the Oxford World Classic's edition translated by Martin Sorrell, and One Hundred and One Poems translated by Norman R. Shapiro. All three volumes have their strengths and weaknesses... as with any translation. The Oxford version seems to be currently the most highly thought of. The Shapiro volume is notable for brief introductions to each of Verlaine's books. I also have any number of poems translated by various other writers within anthologies of French poetry. I would make the suggestion that Verlaine's strongest works are from early in his career, from the volumes Poèmes saturniens, Fêtes galantes, La bonne chanson, Romances sans paroles, Sagesse, and Parallèlement.

[Alexander III]

I have no idea about which translations are best either, however If I may I suggest we steer away from the Oxford edition as they always print in such small writing that it is fastidious to read and bugs the hell out of me.

[stlukesguild]

If I may I suggest we steer away from the Oxford edition as they always print in such small writing that it is fastidious to read and bugs the hell out of me.

Ummm... maybe its time to see the optometrist? Choosing a translation based upon the size of the font? From a quick glance I'll point out that the print size in all three translations appears pretty much the same size and standard for most books.

[Alexander III]

Ahh maybe it was just the Byron collection of the Oxford edition then

[stlukesguild]

One of those Complete Works of Byron or Wordsworth or Shakespeare in one slim volume and microprint? Rather like trying to read some of the print included in CD booklets.

[JBI]

One of those Complete Works of Byron or Wordsworth or Shakespeare in one slim volume and microprint? Rather like trying to read some of the print included in CD booklets.

I had a Byron including long works (Don Juan, Manfred, etc) in one volume. IT had if I remember 4 columns a page (an Iambic Pentameter line would take one column, or one and a half columns without needing to break lines), and went on and on.

[stlukesguild]

My volume of Spenser is like that... although I think its two columns per page. It has the complete Fairie Queene, the Amoretti, Epithalimion, Muiopotmos, and all the minor poems... as well as a long introduction... all in a single volume. One the other hand... it is a rather nice leather-bound volume so I'll put up with having to wear the reading glasses.

Don't even get me started on my volume of Shakespeare which must be 12x18" or larger and nearly 4" thick and weighing in at ten pounds. You need a podium to even read it. I've been picking up some nice volumes of the separate plays whenever I get about to reading them simply to avoid this behemoth.

[JBI]

My volume of Spenser is like that... although I think its two columns per page. It has the complete Fairie Queene, the Amoretti, Epithalimion, Muiopotmos, and all the minor poems... as well as a long introduction... all in a single volume. One the other hand... it is a rather nice leather-bound volume so I'll put up with having to wear the reading glasses.

Don't even get me started on my volume of Shakespeare which must be 12x18" or larger and nearly 4" thick and weighing in at ten pounds. You need a podium to even read it. I've been picking up some nice volumes of the separate plays whenever I get about to reading them simply to avoid this behemoth.

Meh, to me, Hamilton's Faerie Queene is the only Faerie Queene. Though that isn't exactly the most convenient book to shlep around, it certainly is the best for reading though.

Have we decided on a volume?

[Alexander III]

I suggest St.lukesguild decides on the volume, seems to be the most experienced in regards to Verlaine.

[stlukesguild]

I would probably go with Martin Sorrell's translation in the Oxford World's Classics edition which can be easily enough and inexpensively enough found... and features the original French on the facing page. I can always offer alternative translations.

[JBI]

I would probably go with Martin Sorrell's translation in the Oxford World's Classics edition which can be easily enough and inexpensively enough found... and features the original French on the facing page. I can always offer alternative translations.

If it's agreed upon - I'll have my copy in 20 minutes.