Thresholds of Translation


Book Description

This volume revisits Genette’s definition of the printed book’s liminal devices, or paratexts, as ‘thresholds of interpretation’ by focussing specifically on translations produced in Britain in the early age of print (1473-1660). At a time when translation played a major role in shaping English and Scottish literary culture, paratexts afforded translators and their printers a privileged space in which to advertise their activities, display their social and ideological affiliations, influence literary tastes, and fashion Britain’s representations of the cultural ‘other’. Written by an international team of scholars of translation and material culture, the ten essays in the volume examine the various material shapes, textual forms, and cultural uses of paratexts as markers (and makers) of cultural exchange in early modern Britain. The collection will be of interest to scholars of early modern translation, print, and literary culture, and, more broadly, to those studying the material and cultural aspects of text production and circulation in early modern Europe.




Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail Adams During the Revolution


Book Description

At the heart of 'Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail Adams During the Revolution' lies a rare and intimate glimpse into the American Revolutionary period through the correspondence between two of its most significant figures. The collection stands as a testament to the power of personal letters as both historical documents and literary artifacts, showcasing a remarkable blend of political discourse, domestic life, and philosophical reflections. The epistolary format allows readers to witness the evolution of ideas and emotions in real-time, offering insights into the complexities of governance, war, and family life amidst the forging of a nation. This anthology not only attracts with its standout pieces but also with its unique presentation of the eras challenges and triumphs, bridging the public and private spheres in a deeply human narrative. The backgrounds of John and Abigail Adams, as active participants and keen observers of the American Revolution, provide a rich context for the collection. Both were deeply entrenched in the ideological and practical battles of their time, offering perspectives that are at once personal and broadly reflective of the periods socio-political climate. Their writings collectively contribute to a deeper understanding of the revolutionary spirit, the formulation of American identity, and the role of intellect and emotion in shaping the discourse of freedom and governance. For those intrigued by history, politics, and the human condition, this collection offers an unparalleled exploration of the American Revolutionary period through the lens of two of its most iconic figures. Readers are encouraged to delve into this volume not just for its historical significance, but for its ability to educate, inspire, and provoke thought through the intimate and powerful medium of letters. The anthology underscores the value of viewing history through personal narratives, enriching our comprehension of the past and its continuous impact on our present and future dialogues.




The Letters of John and Abigail Adams


Book Description

The correspondence of a Founding Father and his brilliant wife The Letters of John and Abigail Adams provides an insightful record of American life before, during, and after the Revolution; the letters also reveal the intellectually and emotionally fulfilling relationship between John and Abigail that lasted fifty-four years and withstood historical upheavals, long periods apart, and personal tragedies. Covering key moments in American history - the Continental Congress, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, and John Adams's diplomatic missions to Europe - the letters reveal the concerns of a couple living during a period of explosive change, from smallpox and British warships to raising children, paying taxes, the state of women, and the emerging concepts of American democracy. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introdutions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.




Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail Adams During the Revolution with a Memoir of Mrs. Adams


Book Description

Thirty-five years ago a collection of letters written during the period of the Revolution and later, by John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, came into my hands. They interested me so much that I thought they might possibly interest others also, especially the growing generations not familiar with the history of the persons and events connected with the great struggle. The result was an experiment in publication, first, of a selection from the letters of Mrs. Adams addressed to her husband; and, at a later moment, of a selection from his replies. The first series proved so acceptable to the public that it ran through four large editions in eight years. The second, though slower of sale, has likewise been long since exhausted. Applications have been made to me from time to time for information where copies of either might be had, to which I could give no satisfactory answer. I purchased one copy, whilst residing in London several years ago, which I found by chance advertised in a sale catalogue of old books in that city. I know not now where I could get another. Reflecting on these circumstances, in connection with the approaching celebration of the Centenary year of the national existence, it occurred to me that a reproduction of some portion of the papers, with such additions as could be made from letters not then included, might not prove unacceptable now. To that end I have ventured to embrace, in a single volume, so much of the correspondence that took place between these persons as was written during the period of the Revolutionary struggle, and terminating with the signature of the preliminary articles of the great Treaty which insured pacification and independence to the people of the United States.




Early English Books, 1641-1700


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General Catalogue of Printed Books


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Adams Family Correspondence: June 1776-March 1778


Book Description

A collection of letters exchanged by members of the Adams family through three full generations and part of a fourth beginning with the courtship of John Adams and Abigail Smith and ending with the death of Abigail Brooks Adams, wife of the first Charles Francis Adams, United States minister to London during the American Civil War.