The relationship between writer and translator : the case history of Ugo Foscolo

incl. ref.

The creative turn in translation studies has led to a reconsideration of translation and of the relationship between translators and writers. Many popular writers have been also translators and their works have been attentively analyzed to argue the relationship between translation and authorship. It is the case of Foscolo, well known as poet and writer and, due to his fame, also known as the translator of Sterne's Sentimental Journey. Foscolo was already an author when he translated Sterne and his difficult relationship with his new role is well documented by letters and writings. In particular Foscolo could not stand the fact of being considered not the author of his text, but just a "translator" and finally he resolved to create a new character, Didimo Chierico, which in his opinion authorized him to be mentioned as co-author. Foscolo's translation is considered a "classic" in Italy and for this reason Italian students read his translation notwithstanding the fact it is two centuries old. There are translations which manage to be considered an original literary work and as an original stand in the literary system; Foscolo's Viaggio sentimentale is a case in point. As an original, it does not suffer from aging and exerts its influence over other translations.