The Mystery of Missing Translators: A Historical and Publishing House Perspective

As a seasoned translator, I often find myself pondering the absence of translator names on foreign editions of books. With hundreds of titles on my shelves from various publishers, it’s not uncommon to notice that the translator’s credit is missing, especially in cases of older publications. This raises the question: is it suspicious if a book has no translator mentioned, despite the publishing house being 100 years old?

Why Translators Are Sometimes Left Unnamed

In today’s literary world, it is generally considered standard practice to credit the translator for their significant contribution to a book. After all, the translator is responsible for bringing foreign words to life in a way that resonates with the target audience and ensures the integrity of the original work. However, this is not always the case, and there are several reasons for this practice.

I translate books from English to Italian, and often for gratitude and financial reasons, my clients pay the full translation fee upfront. In some instances, publishers strike deals with translators where royalty is earned based on the sales of the translated work. However, I prefer the immediacy of liquidating all rights and not mentioning the translator’s name, as their involvement is safeguarded by the publishing agreement.

A Historical Context

The decision to not mention the translator’s name is not inherently suspicious or unusual. In fact, it has a rich historical context. Traditionally, the mention of a translator’s name is not mandatory. This practice has been less common before the 1950s. Publishers would often only mention the translator if the translator was a well-known author in their own right, such as the renowned writer Allan Poe.

Moreover, the publishing house’s long-standing history does not necessarily imply the presence of translator credits. Some publishers may have a policy of not crediting translators due to various reasons, ranging from a preference for a seamless reading experience to maintaining an editorial policy that values the original author over the translator.

Why Credit Matters

Despite the historical context, in today’s world, the absence of translator credits can sometimes raise questions. Here are a few reasons why:

Textual Accuracy: Translators play a critical role in ensuring that the translated text is accurate and true to the original work. Without a translator’s name, it might be difficult for readers to trust the quality of the translation.

Authorship Attribution: In cases where the translated book becomes highly successful, it might be important to recognize the translator’s contribution. If they are not credited, it could overshadow the translator’s role and unfairly give credit to the original author or the translator’s commission.

Reader Loyalty: Long-standing publishing houses often have loyal readers who might appreciate the recognition of the people who bring the books to life. Without translator credits, these readers might feel a sense of loss or confusion.

Transparency and Honesty: In today’s era of transparency and accountability, it is important to ensure that all contributors to a work are recognized. Omitting a translator’s name could be seen as a lack of honesty and transparency, which could damage the trust between the translator and the publishing house.

Conclusion

While the absence of a translator’s name on a book can be intriguing, it is not necessarily suspicious. The decision to remain unnamed stems from historical, legal, and editorial practices. However, in today’s world, there is a growing trend towards recognizing and crediting translators for their invaluable contributions. As a translator, it is essential to understand the historical context while also advocating for the recognition of the translators in the literary community.

The publishing industry has evolved significantly over the years, and with this evolution, the role of the translator has become more prominent. It is crucial to recognize and credit translators to foster a culture of transparency, honesty, and appreciation for the valuable work they do.