Barbara Harshav

Harshav reframes the art of translation by bridging diverse literary traditions and cultures, synthesizing works from French, German, Hebrew, and Yiddish into accessible and engaging narratives. Her dedication to this craft is evident in her publication of over forty books, a testament to her prolific nature and expertise in various genres including poetry, drama, and sociology. Whereas her collaborations with her husband, Benjamin Harshav, have resulted in significant projects like a bilingual anthology of American-Yiddish poetry, her solo work continues to underscore her deep cultural understanding and linguistic prowess.\n\nHer notable translations, such as "Yehuda Amichai: A Life of Poetry 1948-1994" and "The Labor of Life" by Hanoch Levin, highlight her ability to convey the nuances of different languages and literary styles. Barbara Harshav's bio reflects a career marked by groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first translator of Yiddish and Hebrew literature to win the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation. Her work not only enriches the literary landscape but also offers readers a window into the cultural and philosophical depth of the original texts. This makes her translations essential for scholars, literature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of these rich traditions.