THE REVELATION OF JOHN

by Richmond- Transl. Lattimore ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 22, 1962

This is a modern translation, from the Greek, of the Revelation of St. John, and it is good. The language has dignity and power, and is not unduly modernized, and where clarity is called for, as in the beginning exhortations to various churches, it is sometimes an improvement over the standard version. Perhaps its clarity may also lead to a new understanding of the whole. But in general this Revelation, like so many Biblical prophetic utterances, is highly mystic and depends upon a certain glory and confusion and specific rhetoric for its pletic meanings. In this, the old translators, whether they were literal or not, are still best. No amount of modern simplification can really clarify a text full of angels, Seventh Seals, fire and destruction. This translation can stand up as an interesting and intelligent comparison to the Biblical one, but the eerie, irrational sense of doom, and the CAPITAL LETTERS are missing. What is gained for narrative clarity is to some extent lost for poetry.

Pub Date: Aug. 22, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1962

Categories: NONFICTION