An English translation of Pliny’s geographical books for the 21st century

Abstract

The author’s aim, in collaboration with a colleague, is to supersede the standard English translation of Pliny the Elder’s geographical books in the Natural History, one produced for the Loeb Classical Library around 1940, but with clear limitations (explained here) and long outdated. The article discusses the challenges of determining the intended audience for the new translation (broad, without knowledge of Latin), the scope (Books 3-6, preceded by 2 on the universe and its elements, followed by notable geographical passages in 7-37), the editions of the Latin text to follow (Budé where available, otherwise Sammlung Tusculum), and the need to balance accuracy with readability. Close attention is paid to effective means of handling toponyms and ethnonyms, as well as to appropriate replication of Pliny’s style, especially its staccato shorthand, with lists lacking verbs, as well as loose rambling sentences. How far the descriptive terms in Pliny’s Latin can, and should, be consistently translated by the same English word gains attention. The matter of aids - notes and an accompanying map (seamless, digital) - is also addressed; a commentary separate from the translation is planned, to be contributed by a further colleague.