Since it’s finals week and I’m fairly preoccupied with trying to study for my Sales exam, I’m just going to write down a few brief thoughts on the two books that I read this week.
Simon Armitage, Sir Gawain & the Green Knight. This is a book that doesn’t necessarily need a translation, especially if you have some passing familiarity with Middle English. However, as Armitage himself comments, it’s a bit like looking through an iced-over lake: some of the meaning is obscured. I really enjoyed reading this translation; it was lively, moved quickly, and provided the original text on the opposite page, which I always appreciate. It was enjoyable reading, clever rhyming, and made me consider checking out some of his original poetry when I’ve some more time.
Gwyn Jones & Thomas Jones, The Mabinogion. I understand this is “the” translation of these twelve Welsh myths but I just didn’t enjoy it that much. It may have been faithful but it was oh-so-dry. And I do normally enjoy dry, and I do normally enjoy myths… I was perhaps just having an off day. Back on the horse after more studying and exams are over, I would assume.
a study of reading habits 