The Magic Mountain · Chapter
Translator’s Note explained
The translator acknowledges the scholars who assisted with the specialized content of the novel, reflects on the profound difficulty of translating a work of genius where word and thought are indivisible, and justifies the attempt by the wo
What happens
The translator acknowledges the scholars who assisted with the specialized content of the novel, reflects on the profound difficulty of translating a work of genius where word and thought are indivisible, and justifies the attempt by the work's universal spirit and the necessity of making it accessible to English readers.
Key passages
“But of the author of The Magic Mountain it can be said in a special sense that he has looked into the seeds of Time.”
The translator asserts that Thomas Mann possesses a unique, prophetic insight into the fundamental forces of history and human development.
Highlights the novel's perceived depth and foresight, framing it as a work of significant temporal and historical insight.
“It seemed better that an English version should be done ill than not done at all.”
The translator believes that an imperfect translation is preferable to denying English readers access to the novel's universal spirit.
Expresses the translator's humility and the driving conviction that the work's importance outweighs the imperfections of translation.