Introduction

Chapters in this book

1. Prelim pages i
2. Table of contents v
3. Table of illustrations xi
4. Foreword to the second edition xiii
5. Preface xix
6. Introduction xxiii
7. 1. Translators and the invention of alphabets 3
8. 2. Translators and the development of national languages 21
9. 3. Translators and the emergence of national literatures 61
10. 4. Translators and the dissemination of knowledge 95
11. 5. Translators and the reins of power 127
12. 6. Translators and the spread of religions 153
13. 7. Translators and the transmission of cultural values 187
14. 8. Translators and the production of dictionaries 223
15. 9. Interpreters and the making of history 247
16. Appendix I. Description of illustrations 285
17. Appendix II. Contributors, translators and proofreaders 291
18. Works cited 297
19. Index of names 323
20. About the authors 337