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Rights issues, I beieve Larry Send a noteboard - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM
SOLARIS was written in Polish. Maybe someone will be reading the book in it's original language. For most of us, we'll be reading the novel in some other language.

The English translation is actually a translation from a French translation, so it doesn't even come from the original Polish.

Which language did you read Solaris in? What were your thoughts on the translation... did the language come off as natural or was it an impediment to your reading? What role did the translation play in your impressions of the work?


I mean, it's been years, Philip K. Dick is dead, and everyone from Lem to the common woman agrees that Solaris' prose leaves something to be desired...

Is there some industry-reason I'm missing?


I remember a discussion several years ago about how Michael Kandel wanted to do a retranslation (he's translated The Cyberiad and several other works by Polish authors and is considered to be one of the best in the field), but there was a problem with the translation rights. I think the rights haven't yet reverted back to Lem's estate, but I could be mistaken.
Illusions fall like the husk of a fruit, one after another, and the fruit is experience. - Narrator, Sylvie

Je suis méchant.
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Sci-Fi Book Club: SOLARIS by Stanislaw Lem Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:50:45 PM 2219 Views
Roll-Call: Have you read it? Are you reading it? Like it: Yes/NO? *NM* Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:52:00 PM 826 Views
I read it back in January. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:23:29 PM 1493 Views
I read it years ago, and liked it. *NM* Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:41:36 PM 779 Views
I just finished it. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:54:49 PM 1486 Views
Well, to be fair, Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:12:17 PM 1415 Views
Heh. Rebekah - 21/04/2010 08:31:51 AM 1618 Views
Re: Well, to be fair, Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:06:06 PM 1352 Views
That was how I felt too. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:39:15 PM 1201 Views
I read it 3 years ago, and liked it. Linda - 19/04/2010 06:58:37 PM 1794 Views
Yes, I read it. Must be something like... eh. it was before the clooney horror movie came out? *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:23:15 PM 828 Views
I read it, and liked it. wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:33:16 PM 1482 Views
I plan to Camilla - 19/04/2010 07:41:21 PM 1609 Views
I might re-read it in a few days Larry - 19/04/2010 09:11:35 PM 1421 Views
I'm currently reading it Mark - 20/04/2010 10:00:05 AM 1670 Views
That has always bothered me too. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:20:56 PM 1314 Views
I am with you on that. It may not be rational or my reasons have to do with vanity Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:18:53 PM 1249 Views
Re: When you look through Lem's page on Solaris covers, that one is the least interesting. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:01:50 AM 1330 Views
Indeed Camilla - 11/05/2010 03:02:26 PM 1337 Views
It was a while since I've read it Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:33:44 AM 1320 Views
I have started reading it Camilla - 11/05/2010 11:10:53 AM 1267 Views
Translation: Jacob - 19/04/2010 05:54:57 PM 1546 Views
I read it in Russian, which was very close to the original. Tom - 19/04/2010 06:25:00 PM 1546 Views
I'm not sure now, I think I read it in Dutch. Legolas - 19/04/2010 06:43:30 PM 1467 Views
English translation by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox (1970). Rebekah - 19/04/2010 06:56:54 PM 1428 Views
Translation of a translation, actually. *NM* jh - 19/04/2010 07:22:18 PM 769 Views
Yes, I did read Jake's intro piece there. *NM* Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:23:44 PM 757 Views
I figured you were not accurate enough. jh - 19/04/2010 07:26:54 PM 1401 Views
Pffft. Accuracy is for nerds. Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:31:52 PM 1490 Views
That was the one I read. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 01:43:01 AM 1667 Views
Read a swedish translation back then. jh - 19/04/2010 07:28:14 PM 1310 Views
Yes, the version I read was translated from polish. All the names were intact from the original *NM* Dragonsworn - 20/04/2010 12:17:42 AM 829 Views
I read it in Czech wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:40:05 PM 1665 Views
I also read a Swedish translation. Linda - 19/04/2010 07:41:31 PM 1886 Views
1970 translation from French to English by Joanna Kilmartin and Steve Cox everynametaken - 20/04/2010 02:20:42 AM 1552 Views
I have a different opinion on this. Jacob - 20/04/2010 08:17:06 PM 1420 Views
I've read it in Polish Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:32:33 AM 1245 Views
Re: So it's flat and boring? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:50:38 PM 1378 Views
Re: Does anyone know why the Polish publishers haven't commissioned another translation? Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 10:04:38 AM 1383 Views
Rights issues, I beieve Larry - 24/04/2010 10:48:53 AM 1424 Views
So 'we' have read the novel in 6 different languages. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:20:02 PM 1278 Views
I read the English from French translation Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:10:42 PM 1240 Views
This was my general experience as well. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:53:58 PM 1282 Views
So. Uh. The chick's name was Rheya in the book I read. Not in other translations? Rebekah - 19/04/2010 07:42:16 PM 1424 Views
Her name in the original is Harey, it got changed to Rheya somewhere along the way of the wahooka - 19/04/2010 07:49:33 PM 1446 Views
In Russian it was just Hari, or, more precisely, Хари. *NM* Tom - 19/04/2010 10:28:49 PM 748 Views
I haven't looked into the reasons yet, outside of what would seem obvious, Jacob - 19/04/2010 09:26:11 PM 1425 Views
Re: I think the translators just thought Harey wasn't immediately accessible as a feminine name. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:59:17 AM 1517 Views
That is what I assumed as well. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:40:45 PM 1317 Views
I probably got more out of it than I first thought. Tashmere - 20/04/2010 11:37:52 PM 1245 Views
Re: I do that too! Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:51:39 PM 1295 Views
It is certainly a book that makes you think... Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:46:31 PM 1252 Views
Literature vs. Genre Fiction Jacob - 21/04/2010 02:33:21 PM 1446 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction lyringlas - 21/04/2010 08:44:24 PM 1439 Views
Re: Literature vs. Genre Fiction Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:19:31 PM 1277 Views
Re: Panorphaeon - 21/04/2010 09:09:02 PM 1395 Views
How do you know Solaris was an advanced intelligence? Tom - 22/04/2010 01:20:35 AM 1304 Views
Fair enough. Panorphaeon - 22/04/2010 09:04:58 PM 1386 Views
But I think that is Lem's point. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:20:18 AM 1368 Views
Good point Tom. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:14:23 AM 1262 Views
It's definitely literature Tom - 22/04/2010 01:19:34 AM 1220 Views
You might be winning me over to your thoughts here. Jacob - 26/04/2010 09:42:33 PM 1206 Views
In all fairness to my opponents, Solaris is one of my strongest cases. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:16:20 PM 1190 Views
As long as you realize... Legolas - 26/04/2010 10:26:00 PM 1235 Views
This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:49:39 PM 1331 Views
Re: This is why I sort of float around on this issue. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:15:38 AM 1322 Views
Very well put. Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:51:27 PM 1188 Views
Re: Very well put. Camilla - 17/05/2010 06:53:13 PM 1314 Views
This book is definitely literature. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:59:48 AM 1360 Views
Re: This discussion gives me hives. *NM* Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:52:09 PM 713 Views
Understandable. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:31:08 PM 1232 Views
Hmmm Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:18:42 PM 1351 Views
What didn't you enjoy? Jacob - 21/04/2010 09:47:06 PM 1220 Views
I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:17:22 AM 1177 Views
This was what I disliked too Ellestra - 22/04/2010 05:46:05 AM 1396 Views
Re: I didn't like the excessive description of the types of clouds on Solaris. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:33:14 AM 1257 Views
Re: I found it made this stark contrast with his descriptions of his own, more human environment. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:56:40 AM 1481 Views
That is an interesting take. Jacob - 27/04/2010 05:53:23 PM 1312 Views
I didn't really find anything difficult about it. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:38:48 AM 1341 Views
The only thing that bothered me... Jacob - 03/05/2010 07:06:42 PM 1443 Views
So, is there really anything to discuss about the story itself? Larry - 22/04/2010 08:55:03 AM 1399 Views
Apparently not. Tom - 22/04/2010 01:38:24 PM 1432 Views
True Larry - 22/04/2010 09:29:53 PM 1257 Views
Point of fact, Jacob - 23/04/2010 02:53:47 PM 1311 Views
Perhaps it's time for a self-reevaluation then Larry - 24/04/2010 10:45:44 AM 1680 Views
They never claimed to have a monopoly on guiding the discussions. I am just happy they are starting Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:51:01 PM 1271 Views
Thank you for telling me how I should prioritize my life, Larry. Jacob - 26/04/2010 04:54:01 PM 1469 Views
At least I am not as quick to repeat the same excuses Larry - 26/04/2010 05:13:08 PM 1631 Views
I was originally gonna reply to your previous post, then decided not to. Guess I will now. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:42:15 PM 1477 Views
Thank you. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:41:17 PM 1421 Views
Well, when my sleeping is screwed up, interpretations are going to be wonky, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:21:57 PM 1382 Views
One point... Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:34:02 PM 1299 Views
Posting while irritated and about to crash does little good, it seems Larry - 27/04/2010 06:20:19 PM 1375 Views
The delay to the review is my fault. I've got a mostly finished one. I'm just not happy with it. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:19:35 PM 1320 Views
It wasn't the review I was irritated about, but thanks for doing it Larry - 27/04/2010 07:39:08 PM 1260 Views
Ah. OK. Rebekah - 27/04/2010 07:47:09 PM 1403 Views
Thanks Larry - 27/04/2010 07:58:54 PM 1291 Views
I'm a bit ambivalent on the merits of this approach of yours. Legolas - 26/04/2010 05:32:19 PM 1265 Views
You highlight my only frustration with the thread. Tom - 26/04/2010 05:48:01 PM 1598 Views
I am mostly just trying the approach out as something a little bit different. Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:23:12 PM 1332 Views
Re: So what do you think about any of those things? Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 08:30:55 PM 1253 Views
I've posted my thoughts on most of those issues in various places in this discussion. Tom - 24/04/2010 05:02:44 AM 1451 Views
Re: I think I'd just like for you to be more proactive and Start A Thread. Danae al'Thor - 24/04/2010 09:50:26 AM 1340 Views
I was sort of being lazy. I'll do so now. *NM* Tom - 25/04/2010 03:20:12 PM 715 Views
A question about Lem. everynametaken - 23/04/2010 03:49:57 AM 1284 Views
I've only read one other book by him, The Cyberiad Larry - 23/04/2010 04:03:19 AM 1388 Views
Re: A question about Lem. Ellestra - 23/04/2010 07:26:18 PM 1406 Views
Thanks. everynametaken - 24/04/2010 06:42:05 AM 1400 Views
Yes Camilla - 24/04/2010 02:43:17 PM 1360 Views
My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem everynametaken - 23/04/2010 02:50:10 AM 1661 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:49:04 PM 1550 Views
Re: About that "worst" thoughts issue. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:35:48 PM 1429 Views
I came away with the same message you did on the first point. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:46:09 PM 1237 Views
Re: My main thoughts on Solaris by Stanislaw Lem Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:31:32 PM 1410 Views
Re: So I have no team spirit and should be lynched. Danae al'Thor - 23/04/2010 09:41:48 PM 1283 Views
I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:27:34 AM 1247 Views
Solaris was, I hope, better than Avatar. Tom - 25/04/2010 04:54:12 AM 1244 Views
Re: I finally watched Avatar for the first time tonight. Ellestra - 25/04/2010 01:52:19 PM 1301 Views
It had more to do with recognizing mankind's tendency to imposes their ideas on other cultures. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:35:25 PM 1324 Views
Misplaced answer . *NM* Tashmere - 25/04/2010 04:40:27 PM 610 Views
On identity and communication: do we love only ourselves? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:35:34 PM 1323 Views
I did spend a lot of the book speculating on what the planet was trying to do with those supressed Tashmere - 25/04/2010 05:05:38 PM 1384 Views
The argument: (From the text and some thoughts) Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:22:34 PM 1249 Views
Yes Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:10:30 PM 1407 Views
That is a great idea... Jacob - 17/05/2010 06:58:48 PM 1316 Views
Re: That is a great idea... Camilla - 17/05/2010 07:02:44 PM 1351 Views
That settles it. I am going to have to reread it. Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:23:14 AM 1268 Views
It is interesting you should say that. Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:56:26 PM 1531 Views
That is the second time this week that I have heard something about Derrida. Now I am going to have Tashmere - 13/05/2010 12:02:56 AM 1409 Views
Derrida is great. Camilla - 13/05/2010 10:06:49 AM 1446 Views
Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:40:57 PM 1278 Views
I can't decide. Rebekah - 25/04/2010 03:54:39 PM 1405 Views
An interesting point to consider... everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:41:17 PM 1416 Views
Re: I can't decide. Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:05:21 PM 1207 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:31:58 PM 1398 Views
Ooohhhh. I like that theory. Tashmere - 25/04/2010 11:32:15 PM 1378 Views
Does it make a difference? Jacob - 26/04/2010 07:29:44 PM 1231 Views
Re: Is Solaris alive? Is Solaris sentient? Camilla - 12/05/2010 09:57:05 PM 1397 Views
What do you think the biggest message of the book is? Tom - 25/04/2010 03:47:03 PM 1340 Views
Re: Does he let go of her? How independant is she of him? Danae al'Thor - 25/04/2010 04:07:33 PM 1472 Views
That's an interesting observation. Tom - 26/04/2010 10:23:28 PM 1279 Views
Re: I was telling Tashmere... Danae al'Thor - 11/05/2010 11:05:09 AM 1399 Views
Re: What do you think the biggest message of the book is? everynametaken - 25/04/2010 10:16:16 PM 1318 Views
Communication with the entirely other Camilla - 12/05/2010 10:01:37 PM 1343 Views
Did anyone else do any wondering what their own visitors would take the form of if they were there? Tashmere - 26/04/2010 11:31:27 PM 1252 Views
Actually, no. It was obvious to me. *NM* Tom - 26/04/2010 11:41:22 PM 609 Views
In a way yes. Jacob - 27/04/2010 06:33:43 PM 1348 Views
My father, perhaps. Panorphaeon - 27/04/2010 08:55:18 PM 1239 Views
Ha. Jacob - 27/04/2010 09:16:56 PM 1284 Views
Re: You know, the more I think about it, the more surprised I am everyone only seemed to have one. Danae al'Thor - 10/05/2010 10:08:23 PM 1303 Views
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