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English Translations from the Greek: A Bibliographical Survey

Written by Finley Melville Kendall Foster

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Thesis (Ph. D.)Greek literature

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About this book

"English Translations From The Greek: A Bibliographical Survey" by Finley Melville Kendall Foster is a scholarly work focused on the history of English translations of Greek literature, written in the early 20th century. This publication serves as a comprehensive bibliographical survey, detailing approximately 2164 translations from Greek works into English and American literature from 1484 to 1916. It seeks to map the growth and development of Greek literature in English, emphasizing the cultural and literary exchanges between the two languages over the centuries. The opening of this work presents the origins of the study, initially stemming from a preliminary investigation of 19th-century attitudes towards Greek classics. Foster outlines the methodology for the survey, noting the significance of events such as the establishment of Caxton's printing press. He highlights key factors influencing the growth of Greek translations, including public interest in Greek culture, the implications of the Greek Revolution, and the roles of classical libraries. The author acknowledges limitations in scope and categorization but aims to provide a foundational resource for understanding the translations’ influence on English literature. This reveals an intricate relationship between reading public interests and the literary output of Greek texts throughout the ages.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in English Translations from the Greek: A Bibliographical Survey, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • advanced
  • scholarly
  • informative
  • meticulous

Finley Melville Kendall Foster's "English Translations from the Greek: A Bibliographical Survey" is a monumental scholarly work from the early 20th century, meticulously cataloging approximately 2164 English and American translations of Greek literature between 1484 and 1916. It serves as a comprehensive historical record, tracing the evolution and impact of Greek thought on Anglophone culture over centuries. The survey delves into the origins of the study, outlining its methodology and highlighting key historical and cultural factors—such as the advent of Caxton's printing press, public interest shifts, and the Greek Revolution—that influenced the growth of these translations. Foster's work is an indispensable resource, illuminating the intricate relationship between classical scholarship, public reception, and the literary development of English-speaking nations.

“The enduring fascination with ancient Greece has continually reshaped the landscape of English letters, a process meticulously chronicled within these pages.”

Key themes

Cultural Exchange and Transmission
This theme explores how Greek thought, philosophy, and literature were transmitted into English-speaking cultures through translation. Foster meticulously documents the channels and periods of this exchange, highlighting how the intellectual and artistic heritage of ancient Greece profoundly shaped English literature and cultural identity. It underscores translation as a vital bridge between civilizations.
The Evolution of Scholarship and Reception
Foster's work implicitly tracks how scholarly approaches to Greek texts, and public attitudes towards them, changed from the late 15th century to the early 20th century. It examines how different eras prioritized different aspects of Greek culture (e.g., epic poetry, philosophy, drama) and how translation methodologies evolved, reflecting changing academic standards and intellectual currents.
The Role of Translation in National Literature
This theme explores how the continuous influx of Greek translations enriched, diversified, and fundamentally shaped the English literary landscape. It examines how translated works served as models, inspirations, and sources for English authors, contributing to the development of genres, poetic forms, and philosophical discourse within English literature. The book demonstrates that English literature is not isolated but deeply interwoven with its classical heritage.

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Discuss the profound impact of the printing press, particularly Caxton's, on the dissemination and reception of Greek translations in England.

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