The Poetics of Self-translation explores the well-attested phenomenon of writers translating part of their own work, underscoring its growing significance in the history of translation and literature. Drawing on established literary and translation research, this book reveals its underlying logic, grammar, or “poetics,” with a focus on how writers self-translate, rather than why or with what consequences.

Through an impressive range of examples from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, Grutman illustrates the global practice and the varied perceptions of contemporary literary self-translation. The book adopts a comparative approach, highlighting what distinguishes self- from third-party translations: their potential for bidirectionality (where source and target languages switch sides) and consequent feedback, the narrowing time gap between the original and translated work, and insider knowledge of the initial text that allows authors to actively shape their so-called “second originals.” In this analysis, Grutman recognises the ambiguity of self-translation, noting that these distinctive features mostly occur when self-translation is a sustained activity in a writer’s career. In most cases, self-translators intervene within the range of more conventional translation practices. With this nuanced and balanced perspective, the study reaffirms the interconnection between translation and self-translation and how each enriches our understanding of the other.

Comprehensive and engaging, this book is a valuable resource for students and researchers of literary and translation studies.

About the Author

Rainier Grutman is a Professor of French and Translation Studies at the University of Ottawa (Canada). He is the author of the entries on “auto-” and “self-translation” in all three editions of the Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies (1998, 2009, 2019).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Kennys.ie is the largest exporter of books from Ireland currently exporting to approximately 100 countries around the world. Kennys Bookshop houses hundreds of thousands of books and specialises in collection development and library services, supplying booksellers and state and university libraries on a global scale including the U.S.A.,Japan and Europe. Kennys.ie is Ireland's Largest Online Bookshop.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd.
Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Terms of Sale - Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner.
Payment can also be made by bank draft in Euros, drawn on an Irish Bank.

We regret that PO Boxes are not acceptable to the U.S. as our courier will not deliver to them.

In case of returns or queries please contact us by email books@kennys.ie or by phone +353 91 709350

VAT Registration - IE2238521A

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

Free Shipping

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Ireland to U.S.A.
Order quantity	12 to 22 business days	10 to 20 business days
First item	US$ 10.96	US$ 13.26

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.