‘All those requests for translations without a fee’ – The flying start of Louis Couperus (1863-1923) in Germany

Abstract

AbstractWhile studying private annual reports of L.J. Veen (1863-1919), who founded a publishing house in 1887, the author of this article found additional information on translations of the works of Louis Couperus. The interpretation of some letters in Couperus’ correspondence had to be reviewed. Although translators usually had initiated the first Couperus translations, Veen himself took the initiative with Couperus’ novels Majesteit (Majesty) and Wereldvrede (World Peace). Before making contracts with other publishers, Veen had to ensure the sharing of benefit between Couperus and his firm. Once satisfied, he persuaded publisher Minden in Germany to enter into partnership. Veen would take care of the translation and Minden of the printing. Profits would be shared, but Couperus did not receive anything. Although both titles were reprinted in Germany, the project was not a real success. Between 1893 and 1902 only six translations were published. It took until 1916 before new Couperus translations were published in Germany. Translator Else Otten was able to persuade German publishers to accept them.