View Single Post
  #43 (permalink)  
Old 17-Jan-2009, 20:30
LizzySiddal's Avatar
LizzySiddal LizzySiddal is offline
Reader
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Posts: 79
LizzySiddal is on a distinguished road
Currently reading:
The Assassin's Song, M G Vassanji
Default Re: Thomas Mann: Royal Highness

Quote:
Originally Posted by Colette Jones View Post
It was my first Thomas Mann and I really enjoyed it so it sounds like I'm in for a real treat with his others! I have Death in Venice but it is translated by H.T. Lowe-Porter who reportedly changed things around that she didn't like. I think I'd prefer to read a different translation! Which do you have, Lizzy?

On to the next chapter, Albrecht II, where the Spoelmanns enter the story. Mr Spoelmann has inherited his wealth so cannot be "blamed" (page 133 in my edition). It is his father who is the real Leviathan and Croesus (I had to look these up on wikipedia, and I'm not sure I understand why Spoelman is referred to as a Leviathan (sea monster?). Croesus makes sense because he is rich.
I always thought leviathan = crocodile. Huge jaws, made money by eating up others?

I also have the Lowe-Porter translation of Death in Venice. I didn't know that about it. Neither do I have the original German text to hand. I shall have to do some digging.
__________________
More reviews at: Lizzy's Literary Life
Reply With Quote