Just a quick thought after listening to open book the radio four show about books .Where they had three children’s laureate on talking about the work they had done promoting children’s literature .This set me thinking why isn’t the a translation Laureate ? We talk about not knowing what to read or books getting under promoted now if everyone could get behind one person a well known writer or figure in the lit world and they could advocate the beauty and variety of fiction in translation and do this around the country get a grass roots surge of people really showing interest in literature in translation . What do you think ? Who could do this great task ?
Winstonsdad's Blog 
Jan 01, 2014 @ 17:08:18
Interesting idea, Stu. I’d put forward three names who would be worthy for the job of translation laureate – Daniel Hahn, Frank Wynne and Donal McLaughlin.
Jan 01, 2014 @ 17:09:26
I had thought of Maclehose as well as he has worked with most of the great writers for last two decades
Jan 01, 2014 @ 17:16:20
I’d volunteer three of my favourite translators – Robert Chandler, Hugh Aplin and Anthea Bell.
Jan 01, 2014 @ 17:16:53
Anthea would be great she is just wonderful
Jan 01, 2014 @ 19:17:29
Great idea, Stu. But not sure who I would nominate — most translators are only known within the “translator world” (if you get my drift) and I think it probably needs to be someone “bigger” to encourage non-readers of international fiction to give it a whirl. In other words, the first one probably needs to be a broadcaster or media personality to get things rolling — Clive James would be a good one, although he’s probably too ill to tackle such a role now — and in subsequent years you could have a translator like Anthea Bell etc.
Jan 01, 2014 @ 19:25:25
Yes a big name it’s about getting the non readers interested Clive James would be great he has such knowledge of literature and did also just do Dante
Jan 03, 2014 @ 14:22:11
Great idea, Stu! I can think of Anthea Bell, Carol Brown Janeway, Michael Hoffmann, Tiina Nunnally and maybe even Lydia Davis.
Jan 04, 2014 @ 10:35:13
They all be great choices Vishy
Jan 06, 2014 @ 00:47:17
I’d agree with Anthea Bell, but for a left-wing choice, how about Roy Hodgson? Now there’s a name people know 😉
Jan 06, 2014 @ 06:03:41
Yes Roy is rafter well read isn’t he be great choice the link between football and books is one I live to mention especially as it is young men that tend to be the worse at reading books