Books are not just pages filled with words; they are an eternally lasting message directed to the global audience. Over the years, several literary maestros have created works that have shaped modern civilization. However, to reach a diverse audience, these works often had to use translation services that enabled them to connect with the world. In this blog, we will explore which popular works have used book translations to spread their message to diverse audiences.
Top 10 Book Translations in History
Bhagavad Gita
The most revered book in Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita, is not just a religious scripture but a way of living the perfect life. The Bhagavad Gita has been translated into more than 300 languages. The book was translated from Sanskrit to English by Charles Wilkins in 1785, which made a lasting impact in the West. The English version of the Gita inspired several European literary works in the 19th century. A popular commentary, Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is, published by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, is considered the most popular version of the book.
The Bible
The Bible, the holy book of Christianity, is the most translated book in history. The complete volume of 66 books, including the New and Old Testaments, has been translated into over 3000 languages. The primary reason behind this was to accelerate the spread of Christianity worldwide. The original Old Testament was written in Hebrew, while the New Testament was written in Greek. Since then, they have been precisely translated into several languages, like English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.
The Qur’an
The Qur’an, the sacred book of Islam, is considered the word of God revealed to Prophet Mohammed by the Archangel Gabriel or Jibril. Although Islamic theology dictates others read the Qur’an in Arabic, more than 200 translated versions have been distributed globally. Most notably, the book was translated into Chinese and distributed among the Uyghur community in China.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
The story of our little wooden friend—with a habit of lying—was translated into over 250 languages to spread the morality of truth. Originally written in Italian by Carlo Collodi, the 200-year-old novel has been widely translated into Greek, English, and Spanish language. With accurate conversions that reflected a childlike tone, Pinocchio became a classical favorite for linguistically diverse readers.
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The Diary of a Young Girl
The heart-wrenching story of Anne Frank has been translated into more than 70 languages since the 1950s. The book showcased the poignant and powerful account of a young girl hiding during the Holocaust. It was originally published in Dutch in 1947 and later translated into English by Doubleday and Vallentine Mitchell in 1952.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
The vivid adventures of a young girl in a magical world have captured the imagination of a generation of readers. The book was written by British novelist Lewis Carroll in 1865 and has since been translated into more than 150 languages. The book has several intricate wordplays and culture-specific British humor, which is faithfully captured and curated to fit diverse cultures.
Harry Potter Books
The story of the chosen wizard and his life in Hogwarts was made into a global phenomenon in the 1990s and 2000s. Author J.K. Rowling’s agency, The Blair Partnership, personally worked with translators to accurately convert the fantasy novel series into 85 languages. The translated versions of the book adapted several regional dialects, like Catalan Spanish, to enhance its appeal to the local audiences.
Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching, or Dao De Jing, is an ancient Chinese philosophical text that lays the foundation of Taoism. The text focuses on the spirit of free will and finding a balance between good and evil, called Yin and Yang. The complicated text is translated into more than 250 languages to spread the message of universal harmony. These translated versions perfectly encapsulate the fundamental elements of Taoism, making it one of the most-read spiritual books in the Eastern hemisphere.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights achieved a record in 1999 as the most extensively translated document in the world. The declaration was adopted by the United Nations on 10th December 1948 in Paris. Since then, it has been adapted into 555 languages, ranging from the African Zulu to the Slavic Bulgarian. The document is a culmination of 30 articles that stress the importance of universal justice and rights for all humans.
El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha
The Ingenious Gentlemen Sir Quixote of La Mancha, or Don Quixote, is widely considered the first modern novel. This masterpiece was written in Spanish by Miguel de Cervantes and has been translated into more than 140 languages. The story follows the humor-laden and heroic journey of the delusional Alonso Quixano, who is convinced of his chivalric destiny. He embarks on grand quests, often finding over-the-top solutions to simple problems. The novel has greatly impacted modern literature and is a must-read for bibliophiles.
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