Eugene Onegin: A Novel in Verse

by Alexander Pushkin, James E. Falen (Translator)

Overview

Eugene Onegin is the master work of the poet whom Russians regard as the fountainhead of their literature. Set in 1820s Russia, Pushkin's novel in verse follows the fates of three men and three women. It was Pushkin's own favourite work, and this new translation conveys the literal sense and the poetic music of the original.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191606069
Publisher:	OUP Oxford
Publication date:	09/10/1998
Series:	Oxford World's Classics Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	496,720
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Alexander Pushkin was a Russian author of the Romantic era who is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature.

Mary Hobson was awarded the Pushkin gold medal for translation by the Russian Association of Creative Unions in 1999, the bicentenary of Pushkin’s birth.

Editorial Reviews

Hofstadter, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of del, Escher, Bach/>, provides an extensive preface to his translation of the classic Russian novel in verse. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

The alarmingly learned mathematician and author of such interdisciplinary marvels as his seminal Gødel, Escher, Bach moves into new territory with a lively English version of Pushkin's 1831 verse novel: the mock-heroic tale of how its bored Byronic "hero" (the eponymous Eugene) enchants, then callously rejects the loving Tatyana, and lives to suffer for his caddish behavior. Hofstadter employs the demanding original rhyme scheme (ABABCCDDEFFEGG: a hybrid of the sonnet and the couplet), devising dozens of ingenious rhymes—and recounts his delighted immersion in Pushkin and the Russian language, in a beguiling Preface that's almost as much fun as the immortal Eugene Onegin itself. A masterly performance, and a thoroughly charming book. .

Kirkus Reviews

"James E. Falen's translation of Eugene Onegin conveys with accuracy and utmost fidelity the effervescent depths and heady verve of Pushkin's sparkling and profound masterpiece. Its updated language and style will take Falen's translation well into the 21st century. The notes are invaluable for students."—Sonia Ketchian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"A lively and readable translation."—Sr. Anna M. Conklin, Spurling University

"Everything about this edition of the new translation of Eugene Onegin is superb. Mr. Falen is an amazing translator: he fully carries out his program of retaining 'both the literary sense and the poetic music of the original, and the poem's spontaneity and wit."—Lina Bernstein, Franklin Marshall College

"Pushkin's masterpiece has had many translators, most of whom have turned this greatest Russian poet into an embarrassment. James Falen's English version is the first to approximate Pushkin's flawless poetic form and sparkling wise content. It is a miracle of ingenuity and grace, which will enter Eugene Onegin into English."—Caryl Emerson, Princeton University

"It is a great service to the field that you have made this excellent, teachable translation available in an inexpensive edition for students of Russian literature. Bless you!"—Carol Ueland, Drew University

From the Publisher