Introduction: Literary Exchanges between the Italian and Anglo-American Publishing Markets: Readers, Translators, Mediators (1945–1970)

Abstract

This special issue of The Italianist explores the role played by publishing houses in brokering literary translation for commercial purposes and the role of translation within the literary exchanges between Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States in the years 1945 – 1970. The eight contributions in this number examine speci fi c aspects of the book trade occurring between these geo-linguistic areas to bring to light both the broad cultural questions in fl uencing and the speci fi c trade protocols utilised for the selection of foreign titles. Our studies also detail the often rich and complex network of relationships and professional resources, encompassing multiple geographies, involved in the translation work fl ow. Embracing the recent archival turn in translation history, the research showcased in this special issue addresses key and emerging questions informing the ongoing scholarly inquiry into comparative and international publishing history, translation history and translator studies, and the material conditions that make literary transfer amongst di ff erent linguistic systems possible. 1 By recuperating hidden, or hitherto ignored, documentation preserved in publishers ’ archives located in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the contributors to this special issue have been able to illuminate for the fi rst time speci fi c translation events that cast in sharp relief crucial factors in the publication of a foreign title in translation, such as asymmetries of power and prestige in the fi rms ’ hierarchies, gender imbalances a ff ecting professional relationships, and too-often-unful fi lled expectations of fair fi nancial reward. With our research, we wish to contribute to ‘ raising the awareness of the human factor ’ in translation intended as a business and social activity. 2 We