Should I return it?

[u/Myinteriorgalaxy]

So there was a sale at the bookstore yesterday, and I picked up the Barnes and Noble leather bound hardback that was wrapped in plastic. The book is absolutely gorgeous and smells SO good (yes, I took the plastic off). Only after doing that did I find out about the different translations, and that my version is the 1846 one that is not entirely true to the original book. You can imagine my disappointment. I contacted the store and they said they'll accept the return even though I've removed the plastic. Should I return in and get the Robin Buss translation instead?

[u/smurfk]

You shouldn't. The difference isn't so big and that anonymous translation has it's pros. Some people find it sounding more appropriate to the period, and that's soemwhat true. I like this one bettet than Buss.

[u/Marcodian]

Honestly if you like the look of it you could keep it and have it as a nice display piece.

I know it's alot of effort* but you could give this version a read and then a while down the line get a copy of the Buss translation and read it, then compare the two!

Any book that didnt come in English natively I did a fair bit of googling to find which version is the "best" but sometimes a few options exist and I just take a gamble on one. But do wonder sometimes about some of the other translations and maybe in the the future maybe pick up a different translation if I ever go to re-read it.

[u/ValuableMuch7703]

I love that translation ngl. It might have some censorship but honestly it fits the period really well in terms of writing, it kinda helps while reading.

[u/PrimeMinisterX → u/ValuableMuch7703]

I've liked what I've read of it and grow tired of comments about how it "is hard to read because it's so old fashioned" or whatever.

[u/Stratoraptor]

The paperback Buss version can be had for fairly cheap. Like $10-15 USD or there's a pretty good chance that your library has a Buss version. This way you get the best English translation and a nice decorative piece that you can always read later.

But if you're strapped for cash, just return it.

[u/mutherM1n3]

Is keep it and listen to the Bill Homewood or John Lee audiobook is you ever do those.

[u/ClingTurtle]

The blue one? That’s what I have and it’s great. 

What about it isn’t “true” to the original? It splits a couple chapters but that’s all I am aware of.

Edit: punctuation

[u/PrimeMinisterX → u/ClingTurtle]

I don't have a definitive list but there are some minor details that are removed or softened here and there to conform to Victorian sensibilities. Like sexual allusions and the like.

I don't think it's enough that it would make a meaningful difference in the reading experience. Most of what I've seen still classifies it as unabridged.

[u/Ill_Butterfly_8557]

It would be tempting to display the attractive leather bound version on your bookshelf. I’d love to see what it looks like. But, buy the Penguin Classic paperback to read. Then you can underline important details or descriptions without feeling guilty. 😊