About this project
In December 2006, to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Swiss author Robert Walser, another Walser admirer and I decided to try our hand at translating a memoir written by Walser’s friend and literary executor, Carl Seelig. The book, entitled Wanderungen mit Robert Walser, recounts a series of conversations Seelig had with Walser over more than 20 years, usually in the course of long walks across the Swiss countryside. The book was published in German in 1957. It has never been translated into English.
First we thought it it would take a month; then we thought it would take a year. Last year we aimed to finish by Christmas 2007.
Now I sometimes think we’ll be working on it for the rest of our lives. But also that this intermissive, progress-without-progress would find favor with a certain half-forgotten Swiss prose genius.
Somebody suggested that we use the home page to post Walser-related news. So we’re doing that too. My own random thoughts about Walser and other poets and writers are posted at my original blog, Golden Rule Jones.
(This post updated February 2008. Read more about the genesis of this project here.)
Read a full translation of Wandering with Robert Walser, completed by Bob Skinner, here.
Sam :: Dec.26.2006 :: Uncategorized :: 4 Comments »
Have you seen Maira Kalman’s blog for the New York Times today? One of her drawings, reproduced here, will probably look familiar. The whole thing’s here, but it’s part of Times Select; email me if you’d like access.
So happy to have stumbled across your site. Many thanks for putting it together; I will certainly check back regularly.
I eagerly await the fruits of your labor.
Best,
Michael
Thank you for being out there. I am embarrassed somewhat at admitting I have only just stumbled across Walser – how could he have hidden for so long – and I feel like a cat who has managed to steal some morsel and hasten away with it, while glancing furtively around to check that no other cat is in pursuit – I want to tell the world but I want also to keep him for myself alone – all mine – for he has totally mesmerized me – so this is what I have been waiting for… the very small story of the Pumpkin Head left me in tatters – a ruin – made me want to shout aloud
so thanks again for sharing so much
Hello!
My name is Mary and I am final year photography student, for my final work I am creating a book of photography in dedication to Robert Walser and just wanted to say how useful this website is!
Thank you.