I can now add The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, to the list of books for which I have multiple copies. I picked up a copy of the new translation at the library’s used book store. Ever since my experience with Heidi and its many translations, I’ve been fascinated with the whole idea of translations. I wonder how many books have been ruined by their translators. There might even be some books that weren’t so fabulous in their original language, but which were saved by a talented translator. Who knows?
Anyway, having nothing to do for an hour or so one afternoon, I began comparing the two translations. I found the new translation very similar to the old, at least the 20-30 pages that I read of it. However, comparing them side-by-side, I saw that there were some interesting differences, even as early as the dedication page.
Original: “This grown-up understands everything, even books about children.”
New: “This grown-up can understand everything, even books for children.”
To me, “about children” means “on the topic of children” or “featuring children as the main characters,” whereas “for children” means “for which children are the intended audience.” And I believe that The Little Prince is more about children than it is for them. So in this comparison, the original translations wins.
Original: “Perhaps I am a little like the grown-ups. I have had to grow old.”
New: “I may be a little like the grown-ups. I must have grown old.”
Again, I see a difference in how these are phrased. To me, “have had to” implies that it was forced upon him. “Must have” is more passive, as if it happened without him even realizing it. I don’t know which one is truer to the French text. And actually, I’m not sure which one I prefer. They both work. They just mean slightly different things.
After comparing various other parts, I think I have to pick the original translation as the winner. It’s consistently more poetic. For example, there’s more poetry in the phrase “a much greater air of truth” than there is in the plain-Jane word “truer.” But the original is also wordier and sometimes old-fashioned. The new translation is leaner and more modern.
So, while I personally prefer the original translation, I recommend them both. The original is probably best for those who have already read it (because they might not like the new translation as much) and those who appreciate the charm of old-fashioned language. The new translation is probably best for those with a more modern bent and who like their text a little pithier.
Most people probably don’t even realize that there are two translations available. They just know that it’s a story they want to read. While I was at the used book store, I heard one of the volunteers talking to another customer. He said that The Little Prince is one of their biggest movers. They get a lot of copies of it, but the copies don’t linger on the shelves, because people buy them up quickly. It makes me happy to know that this sweet, old story still has such a big audience.