The hottest Translation Substack posts right now

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The Lifeboat • 229 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. The first episode acts as a microcosm of the whole novel, using poetic, associative logic and repeated symbols instead of a conventional plot.
  2. The English translation adds lively, digressive footnotes that serve as commentary and cultural background, giving readers extra context and a distinct translatorial voice.
  3. Rich multimedia and folkloric imagery—songs (Letov and Pink Floyd), Ophelia paintings, the chort figure, and borscht/samogón motifs—build a sensory, immersive Tulubaikan world.

Kyys Ñurgun’s Battle

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 535 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. This is a translation of lines 3967–4076 from the Yakut epic Alaatyyr Ala Tuïgun, focusing on the episode called Kyys Ñurgun’s Battle.
  2. The material is based on a 1923 recitation by Roman Petrovich Alekseev (Nooroï), a storyteller from the Ust’-Aldansky District of central Yakutia.
  3. The translation appears on a subscription-based platform where the piece is usually paid content, though this post is offered to read for free or via subscription.

Tulubaikaporia

The Lifeboat • 470 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Tulubaikaporia centers on a village called Tulubaika that is literally vanishing, and the story frames saving it as a ritual that depends on people remembering and mythologizing the place.
  2. The novel is highly experimental and shapeshifts across genres, styles, and voices—twenty‑three episodes mix prose, poetry, essays, and absurdist comedy to probe place, time, memory, and hard-to-express emotions.
  3. The book is published now in multiple formats (including signed and special editions), and readers are invited to buy, share, review, and participate in the ritual of preserving Tulubaika by keeping its memory alive.

New Book Releases from the STSC Members

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Tulubaikaporia follows a vanishing village and the narrator’s longing, using that place as an impossible, mythic object to explore memory, time, and the difficulty of returning.
  2. The book frames its project as a ritual, mixing magical, absurd, and cosmic elements—mirages, hallucinations, and impossible objects—to create an experimental, myth‑making narrative.
  3. Early reviews are positive and the Soaring Twenties Social Club is featuring the title among several new member releases, showing strong community interest and support.

The books I enjoyed most this year, 2025.

The Common Reader • 6804 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Classic, immersive fiction is front and center, with long, cinematic books and great plays treated as works you live in rather than just read.
  2. Philosophy and literary criticism shaped how conversation, religion, and cultural history are thought about, with books that changed perspectives and inspired deeper discussion.
  3. Reading is eclectic and exploratory, mixing poetry, children’s books, translations, re-reads, and even divisive genre works to broaden understanding and enjoyment.
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A Correction

Unpopular Front • 50 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Daniel Ladinsky’s popular “translations” of Hafiz aren’t real translations because he doesn’t read Persian and says the poems came to him in dreams, so they’re better described as inspired fabrications.
  2. Passing those poems off as Hafiz’s work is misleading and erases the original poet, even if some of the pieces are beautiful.
  3. People should check attributions and rely on authentic translations — genuine Hafiz translations (for example, Gertrude Bell’s) exist, and the misattribution has been corrected.

Comics from June 1986 Issue of Svet Kompjutera

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
💥 Comics Translation
  1. Comics from a Serbian computer magazine were translated into English. The magazine Svet Kompjutera was founded in October 1984.
  2. The comics reference the Sinclair C5, Clive Sinclair’s electric vehicle, and photos of the C5 are shown alongside the strips.
  3. The post includes multiple images and asks readers what computer ads they’d like to see, inviting comments, shares, and subscriptions.

Tulubaikaporia

The Lifeboat • 447 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
⚔ Fiction Translation
  1. A new immersive book called Tulubaikaporia will be released on March 1 and spans about 400 pages across 23 varied chapters set in a fading Russian village.
  2. The book is presented as a ritual-like, participatory experience that asks readers to wander, feel, and inhabit Tulubaika rather than just read about it.
  3. You can get early access by signing up for an ARC or, if you’re a paid subscriber, by downloading it from the Digital Library, with full release and pre-order details coming soon.

Japanese Death Poems (part 3)

Secretum Secretorum • 606 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. There is a long Japanese tradition of composing short death poems (jisei) at life’s end, often written in the poet’s final moments to express acceptance of death.
  2. Haiku poets use concise seasonal and natural images—snow, moon, cherry blossoms, plum scent—to capture impermanence and calm reflection.
  3. The poems mix solemn acceptance, wry humor, and personal circumstances like samurai honor or poverty, showing a cultural comfort with death and attention to ordinary details.

Things Worth Remembering: How to Ask Timeless Questions

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1706 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. A single story can open whole new worlds for a reader, changing how they think about faith, doubt, and what stories can do.
  2. Some storytellers bring God into fiction in a direct, human way—praising, arguing with, and making the divine part of the narrative.
  3. A strong translation and the right publication can widen an author's audience and turn local work into international literature.

On Reading Proust’s In Search of Lost Time

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 840 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. The prose is dense, metaphor-rich, and full of long, nested sentences that demand slow, focused reading but reward patience with precise, vivid insight.
  2. The book centers on mimetic desire, social vanity, and the power of involuntary sensory memory, arguing that true artistic meaning comes from excavating deep, lived recollections.
  3. Reading it is a long but doable project: choose a reliable translation, read consistently (even a few pages a day), and persevere to the final volume for the full payoff.

The Best Books I Read in 2025 (That Weren't Published in 2025)

Counter Craft • 656 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Standout reads were older works across many genres — from ancient epic and translated fiction to midcentury novels, history, fairy tales, and poetry.
  2. Becoming a parent shaped reading habits and choices, from nightly fairy tales and poems for a child to listening to audiobooks on long walks.
  3. The books shared recurring pleasures and themes: philosophical, comic narrators; dark erotic obsession and cultural strangeness; sharp political history; Kafka‑like parables; and haunting, lyrical poetry.

Japanese Death Poems (part 2)

Secretum Secretorum • 328 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Many Japanese poets compose brief "death poems" at the end of life as a calm, lyrical farewell.
  2. These poems rely heavily on nature and seasonal images—like cherry blossoms, autumn clouds, and rivers—to express impermanence and the passage to another state.
  3. The tone ranges from serene acceptance to wry humor and wordplay, often reflecting personal history or last-moment clarity.

The Hinternet’s Best of 2025!

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Translation
  1. The Hinternet had a standout year, growing into a more established, collaborative publication with expanding projects and staff.
  2. They released a wide “Best of 2025” roundup across genres—fiction, music writing, essays, translations, poetry, film, and experimental work—showing the variety and ambition of their output.
  3. They’re running a strong year-end push to convert readers to paid subscribers, offering a 75% off sale and pitching the editor’s book as a holiday gift before more content goes behind a paywall.

The Z.ai Playbook

ChinaTalk • 652 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Translation
  1. Z.ai has been focusing on building powerful AI models like GLM 4.5, which excel in tasks like coding and reasoning. They aim to create models that can succeed in both local and international markets.
  2. The Chinese AI ecosystem is eager for recognition, especially from Silicon Valley, as it sees that as a way to gain credibility and learn from global trends. Many Chinese companies are open-sourcing their models to be accepted and used abroad.
  3. There are fears about job loss among developers in China due to AI, but many people see AI mainly as a helpful tool rather than a threat. The broader public perception of AI isn't as fearful compared to more vocal concerns in the West.

Chartbook 398 Letting our "no ones" live: translating Sloterdijk with DeepSeek

Chartbook • 1287 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Translation
  1. The idea of being a 'nobody' can unlock personal freedom and help us navigate social pressures. It suggests that underneath our identities, we all share a common core of existence.
  2. Using technology like DeepSeek can assist in understanding and translating complex texts, opening up access to different ideas. This tool not only helps with translation but also sparks new conversations.
  3. Embracing the concept of 'nobody-ness' can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking. It encourages us to look beyond the labels society puts on us.

Mongol Storms and Asian Ruins

The Oswald Spengler Project • 379 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💾 History Translation
  1. Spengler's work on Ancient Asia was a significant focus of his, but much of it remains untranslated into English, limiting its accessibility.
  2. Spengler had a deep interest in cartography and envisioned a new approach to universal history through the interaction of civilizations, highlighted in his sketch 'Altasien'.
  3. Spengler's plans for a series of articles on prehistory, including 'Ancient Asia', were cut short by his premature death, leaving many of his works and ideas unfinished.

The Voynich Manuscript: A Translation

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious historic text from the early 1400s that contains drawings and writings in an unknown language. No one has been able to figure out what it says or even identify the plants drawn in it.
  2. A group called The Hinternet is working on translating this manuscript, sharing their progress with the public. Their recent translation includes five new pages that have never been properly understood before.
  3. The translation process is incredibly difficult, and it has taken years to get even a few pages done. The dedication required to work on this manuscript is intense, and those who help are very passionate about their research.

Julius Evola's Preface to The Decline of the West

The Oswald Spengler Project • 1078 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Julius Evola's preface reflects on modernity, tradition, and the decline of aristocratic cultures.
  2. Evola critiques Spengler's concept of history as cyclical, emphasizing the idea of 'traditional man' and ahistorical civilizations.
  3. Spengler's work challenges the linear view of history, proposing that civilizations cycle through distinctive phases with unique characteristics and inevitable declines.

CROSSPOST: PHIL H: What Does Corruption Look Like?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 15 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Corruption often works by pretending everyone follows the same rules while quietly giving the powerful exemptions, so public austerity turns into private privilege for elites.
  2. Poetic images like petals, willows, and candle-smoke can show how favor and privilege replace duty and fairness, making systemic injustice visible in ordinary scenes.
  3. Every age has its own choreography of corruption and rulers will try to make you doubt your own eyes, but once you spot the pattern you can’t unsee it.

🟧 Book publisher as curator

One Thing • 336 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Consider book publisher subscriptions as a way to receive curated reading recommendations and discover new writers.
  2. Independent publishers like Fitzcarraldo Editions, New Directions, and NYRB Classics offer monthly book subscriptions with unique selections and beautifully designed books.
  3. These subscriptions provide access to a diverse array of literature, including obscure classics and contemporary works in different languages, helping readers to explore beyond typical Anglophone literature.

Diary: Maria Stepanova on Nadezhda Mandelstam, Literature and Truth

Book Post • 412 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Nadezhda Mandelstam's memoirs led to a significant shift towards nonfiction in contemporary prose.
  2. Authors like Mandelstam faced criticism for not fitting the established narrative, challenging traditional concepts of truth.
  3. Mandelstam's bold and unapologetic writing style defied caution and fear, offering a unique perspective on Soviet life.

a spirituality that transforms

Wellness Wisdom by Patricia Mou • 373 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Translation
  1. Authentic spirituality involves radical transformation and liberation, not just consoling beliefs for the self.
  2. Translation and transformation are two key functions of religion: one creates meanings for the self, the other shatters the self for radical change.
  3. Communicate your authentic spiritual vision with passion and courage to prompt discovery and transformation in others.

Interview with Constantin von Hoffmeister

The Oswald Spengler Project • 559 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Translation
  1. In his translations, Constantin corrected typos in the CFA translation of Spengler's work and kept a meticulous approach to ensure the translations did justice to the original texts.
  2. Spengler's work on 'Early Days of World History' introduces concepts like 'culture-amoebas' and explores the role of myth and religion in early civilizations, providing unique perspectives on the early history of human civilization.
  3. The interest in Spengler's works today is driven by his challenging views on the decline of Western civilization, the rise of authoritarianism, and his literary style that blends history, culture, and philosophy.

Life And Poetry Of James Clifford

The Lifeboat • 206 implied HN points • 21 May 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. James Clifford was an English poet who became famous in the Soviet Union, despite being completely unknown in his own country. His powerful poems resonated with readers in a way that inspired translations and widespread admiration.
  2. Clifford's poetry captured deep truths about life, war, and freedom, which was refreshing for poets like Vladimir Lifshitz, who sought genuine expression in a censored environment. His work often conveyed feelings that many Soviet poets could not express openly.
  3. Despite his tragic death during World War II, Clifford's legacy lived on through Lifshitz's translations, which helped him gain recognition. Over time, he became a literary character in the eyes of some, illustrating the complexities of fame, recognition, and truth in literature.

The World-as-History

The Oswald Spengler Project • 59 implied HN points • 15 May 24
💾 History Translation
  1. The post discusses the translation of Spengler's works into English, particularly focusing on his intention for the academic journal 'The World as History' and the journal's editor Hans Erich Stier.
  2. The journal 'The World as History' aimed to publish historical research aligned with Spengler's distinct methodology.
  3. The post hints at a possible revolution in cartography, linking to further content on the subject.

The Eternal Midwit

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Nadezhda Teffi was a popular writer known for her humor and insight, especially in her critiques of society. She gained fame in early 20th century Russia and compared to Chekhov.
  2. The term 'midwit' describes someone who thinks they are smart but lacks true wisdom. They often overanalyze things while missing the bigger picture.
  3. Teffi's writings can help us understand social issues that are still relevant today. Her unique perspective brings humor to serious topics, making them timeless.

The 2025 Octavian Book List!

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. A curated list of ten standout new books across genres, chosen for their compelling stories and beautiful writing.
  2. The selections mix entertaining fiction—thrillers, mysteries, and a New Yorker short‑story collection—with serious non‑fiction on history, art, language, and media.
  3. Together they offer both timely cultural commentary and enduring literary work, making them great reading picks or holiday gifts.

ChinAI #253: Tencent Research Institute releases Large Model Security & Ethics Report

ChinAI Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Translation
  1. The report highlights security assessments for LLMs, such as prompt injection attacks and adversarial examples.
  2. Tencent developed a platform to evaluate large model security, focusing on automated attack sample generation and risk analysis.
  3. The concept of 'Blue Army' drills is discussed as a method to test the effectiveness of large models like Hunyuan.

Processing: How Sam Bett Translated Osamu Dazai

Counter Craft • 265 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Translation
  1. Osamu Dazai was a complex Japanese writer known for both his dark themes and comedic elements. His work resonates with many young readers today because it feels relatable and authentic.
  2. Translating comedy is challenging, but understanding the original's voice and humor is key. The translator's job is to recreate that humor in a way that makes sense in the new language.
  3. Dazai's characters openly express their emotions, which is different from many Western depictions of masculinity. This openness allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters' emotional experiences.

Faithfulness in translation

The Leftovers • 199 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Translation
  1. Translation is a crucial art that applies across various sectors, including literary work.
  2. Literary translation requires a different skill set but still follows similar principles as other forms of translation.
  3. Engaging in translation work offers a profound hands-on experience with language, revealing the truth of translation.

H is for Hakluyt

All Visible Objects • 118 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Translation
  1. The opening of Moby-Dick references a quote by Hakluyt about the importance of the letter H in the word 'whale,' setting an enigmatic tone for the novel.
  2. Melville's use of the Hakluyt quote without full context led to speculation about its meaning, with scholars exploring poetic interpretations related to breath, spirit, and hidden truths within the text.
  3. Investigating the origins of the Hakluyt quote reveals connections to a chain of translations and criticisms between ArngrĂ­mur, MĂźnster, and Hakluyt, shedding light on Melville's intellectual and literary choices.

Beginning the Iliad, Once, Twice, and Again

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 159 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Translation
  1. The initial lines of the Iliad set the stage for the epic story by invoking themes like rage and heroism, preparing the audience for what's to come.
  2. In addition to the well-known 8 lines, there are shorter alternate beginnings for the Iliad found in manuscript traditions, offering different perspectives to set up the audience for the epic story.
  3. The variations in the beginnings of the Iliad highlight the complexity of the oral tradition, showing how different versions can be equally valid in starting the epic poem.