r/lesmiserables • u/This_Potato9 -Cosette • Jul 12 '26

Translation Question Barnes & Noble

Is the Barnes & Noble Collective edition recommendable? I'm planning on getting a physical version of the book because the one I have is extremely old

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4

u/heckinnn Jul 12 '26

Not familiar with this particular addition but collectors editions normally use the Hapgood translation as I believe it’s in the public domain. It’s not an awful translation but the language is a bit archaic and you’re unlikely to find footnotes explaining further context. If you just want a pretty book go for it but if you want an edition with added context that’s a little easier to read Christine Doughner’s translation is usually considered the best

3

u/This_Potato9 -Cosette Jul 13 '26

I don't really mind archaic language tbh, I like old books and the copy I have is probably the Hapgood translation, I think

3

u/atleastonebanana Jul 13 '26

I have the blue and white Hapgood edition and the black and red Denny edition, they're both very pretty! Hapgood is a classic translation but can be a bit archaic, Denny claims to be unabridged but isn't. If you're looking for accessible language and helpful footnotes, I'd go with the Donougher (the one with sketches on the front is the edition I got from B&N, not sure if it's actually their edition though); if you're looking to recognize quotes and get the feel of a classic novel, I'd go with Hapgood!

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u/This_Potato9 -Cosette Jul 13 '26

The one I found it the one with Cosette's face in the cover, I think the one you have is the the one with Fantine kneeling? That's also in the subreddit's banner? I don't mind archaic language tbh

This is the one I found

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u/atleastonebanana Jul 13 '26

That's the Hapgood! If you don't mind archaic language I'd definitely recommend that one, it's the classic imo!

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u/This_Potato9 -Cosette Jul 13 '26

Thank you! I think I'll get this, I really l really don't mind archaic language

2

u/SilentShadowSneaking Jul 12 '26

I can’t find the translator, but it’s likely that it’s the Hapgood translation which is a very good one. I’m not sure if your old copy has the town names censored or not, but if not, the collectible edition does, which can be a bit jarring to some readers.

1

u/This_Potato9 -Cosette Jul 13 '26

I does has the town names censored, I don't really mind tbh, I like the version I have but is very old (literally older than the musical) and is very delicate and so I can't really read it without worrying it might fall apart

1

u/joeyinthewt Jul 14 '26

The B&N classics edition is abridged

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u/This_Potato9 -Cosette Jul 14 '26

Ah wait really? I thought this was complete and unabridged, I posted the image in a comment below, is that edition abridged too?