Lost, Found, and Omitted: Remarks on Russian Translations of West European literature

Abstract

Russian and Soviet history of translation has undergone different stages of its development. Western literature in Russian translation played a significant role in forming the national literature (the so-called literary transplantation of the 18th century). Later, not only selection, but also non-selection of books/authors for translation played a canon-forming function. Social (historical, political, ideological) influence on translation was of a shifting nature, as it is shown by examples (such as Jane Austen). It also affected the process of selection/non-selection of books for translation. © 2021, Slovak academy of Sciences, Institute of World literature. All rights reserved.