Translating the Poetry of Salvador Espriu: A Review with Recommendations

Abstract

To date, the poetry of Salvador Espriu has appeared in three English-language translated anthologies: by Kenneth Lyons, Magda Bogin and Louis Rodrigues. This study considers the differing approaches and priorities of these translated anthologies volumes, and focuses especially on the problems associated with anthologizing a poet whose work relies heavily on the concept of integrated wholes, in some cases in what could be described as macro-poems. In conclusion, there are suggestions for detailed translation solutions, including a judicious use of rhyming, even where the source text does not employ it.