Scarsi (English Renaissance literature, University of Hull, UK) considers the art of translation from Italian to English in Elizabethan England. Further refining the topic, she studies the way
women are translated in the works of Boiardo, Ariosto and Tasso. Although the first section dwells on the misogyny of Harrington, translator of Aristo's Orlando Furioso, her objective is not
feminist, but an analysis of the objects and interpretation of the translators. Harrington is given as an example of one who claims to be giving an accurate translation but is instead faithful
to neither the letter nor the spirit of the text. At the opposite end is Carew, who painstakingly gave a literal translation, sometimes at the expense of sense. Scarsi also looks at works that
are intended to interpret the Italian stories, such as Spenser's The Fairy Queen. The publication of translations of segments of stories, often those containing strong women or love interests,
are examined. For most of the works, Scarsi gives the original Italian along with the various English versions, thus providing a clear picture of the variety of translations and how they can be
nuanced to alter the original meaning. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
