What is the best translation of Crime and Punishment?

Kristin: What is the best translation of Crime and Punishment?
What is the best translation of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment? Is the Dover thrift edition any good?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Raven W
GO THERE

Answer by harlockhero
Depends on what you’re looking for in the translation. Constance Garnett’s translation has been around the longest and is “established” and well known for its beautiful prose. At the same time, most people who can read the original Russian say that her translation does not convey very much of Dostoevsky’s style, only his narrative. The Pevear/Volokhonsky translation on the other hand, lacks the Victorian elegance of the Garnett translation, but is supposedly much more accurate to the source material.

In both translations, you’ll find the same people doing the same things, but if you value flowery language and such, the Garnett might appeal to you more. Conversely, if you value accuracy and ease of reading above all else, try Pevear/Volokhonsky.