The Idiot: New Translation

Having sampled several available English translations of this book, I have to say Ignat Avsey's is not only the most readable, but also has a rare tonal integrity and coherence for a translated book. Granted, while Russian was his mother tongue, Avsey was also British--hence occasionally Britishisms or anachronistic Anglo-slang creep into the sentences. But compared to his predecessors, such lapses are relatively few and far between. For what it's worth, here's a quick lowdown on the various translations I've looked at of this book: --Eva Martin (not bad, although her over-Anglicization is an issue) --Constance Garnett (she's my preferred translator for Chekhov's prose, but her translation of "the Idiot" is truly horrendous: over-simplified, unjustified and outright changes to the text as if she's remaking Dostoevesky's world not just linguistically, but also culturally into an unbelievable Victorian/Edwardian England) --Pevear-Volokhonsky (as you can see, one knows English, the other Russian and neither of the duo knows both languages at once: and hence theirs reads like a patchwork that approaches accuracy but seriously lacks flow; sometimes I preferred robotic google translate to PV's handiwork) --David McDuff (better than PV, but prose falls flat too often for me) --Ignat Avsey (as I've said above, a joy to read: occasional Britishisms apart, Avsey has an ear for the language and dialog that shows, making you feel like you're reading one book and author from beginning to end)

Great book to read ,and i find this translation is easy read compared to the other translations(so far i read different of Fyodor Dostoevsky with different translators) . The biggest problem with Fyodor Dostoevsky is his novels are never easy read. Once you complete any of his work you want to read his other work. Book delivered in good condition and delivered on time,

Interesting character. Story of a man whose appearance and coversation style defines himself an idiot in conventional sense. He had also received long treatment to overcome foolishness. His straightforwardness and friendly character have made him popular specially among women but his rationales were often missed.

Go for it, it's even got rubbery texture on its cover

The Alma Evergreens Classics is the best version.... translated by Ignat Avsey. I've read just 50 pages... and this book has sucked me in! It's beautifully written, and one sees why it's a classic. Great packaging and excellent condition.

A classical book, with an excellent translation. Timely delivered.

Very well delivered... Missed the bookmark though... :)