Czech Antic Award Criticizes Two Translations

Why this is here: The jury found the translation of Marcus Aurelius’ concept of “hylé” (matter) as “aspect” fundamentally altered his metaphors about fire.

In Prague, the Association of Translators presented its Antic Award to Leda publishing and CooBoo for flawed translations. Leda’s head received the main prize for his translations of Machiavelli’s The Prince and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations.

The jury faulted him for relying on early 20th-century English translations that contained censorship and inaccuracies. They noted a translation of “hylé” as “aspect” damaged Aurelius’ metaphors.

CooBoo received a secondary award for Sasha Peyton Smith’s romance novel, The Rose Agreement. Critics found the translation, done by a book influencer, lacked necessary language skills and editorial oversight. A “boat storage shed” became a “tool shed,” and a simple nod turned into an awkward cart scene.

The award aims to highlight issues damaging Czech literary translation. Both publishing heads missed the ceremony, though CooBoo’s editor-in-chief thanked the translators’ association for the feedback. The problem often stems from overconfidence and avoiding source languages, according to the association’s chair.