Arnold, Matthew. On Translating Homer. With F. W. Newman’s Homeric Translation and Arnold’s Last Words. London: George Routledge & Sons; New York: E. P. Dutton, n.d. First published 1861 by Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts. Project Gutenberg, 2021, ebook no. 65381, https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/65381
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Article Author Biography
Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) was a Victorian poet, critic, and Oxford Professor of Poetry whose "On Translating Homer" (1861) was an important contribution to translation theory. He argued translators must capture Homer's essential qualities—rapidity, plainness, and nobility—not just literal accuracy. His scathing critique of Francis Newman's translation sparked lasting debates. Beyond translation, Arnold championed cultural excellence in "Culture and Anarchy" and wrote enduring poetry including "Dover Beach," becoming one of Victorian England's most influential intellectuals.
This work was submitted as being in the Public Domain by Ross Belot and was sourced from Project Gutenberg .