Interview: Arthur Sze on Translating Poetry and His Favorite Books

Why It Matters

Sze’s emphasis on translation spotlights how multilingual poetry can reshape American literary discourse, influencing readers, publishers, and translators alike. His stature as poet laureate amplifies the market’s appetite for cross‑cultural works.

Key Takeaways

• Transient Worlds presents 23 poems across 13 languages.
• Sze favors Wilson’s Iliad and Armitage’s Gilgamesh translations.
• He avoids travel memoirs, yet reads Brad Fox’s surprise work.
• Coffee and desert view shape his creative routine.
• Nightstand holds contemporary translations and Hopkins poems.

Pulse Analysis

Arthur Sze’s latest project, "Transient Worlds," illustrates the growing appetite for poetry that traverses linguistic borders. By curating 23 poems in 13 languages, Sze not only showcases his own work but also creates a platform for translators to reinterpret contemporary verse. This multilingual approach aligns with a broader industry trend where publishers are investing in translated poetry collections, recognizing their potential to reach diverse audiences and enrich the American literary canon.

Beyond the book, Sze’s personal reading list offers insight into the sources shaping his aesthetic. He cites Emily Wilson’s acclaimed Iliad translation and Simon Armitage’s fresh take on Gilgamesh—both examples of how modern translators can revitalize ancient epics for today’s readers. His inclusion of Kevin Young’s "Night Watch" and the poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins signals a blend of contemporary and historic influences, reinforcing the idea that translation is not merely linguistic conversion but a dialogue across time and culture.

The interview also underscores the cultural capital that a poet laureate brings to the translation market. Sze’s endorsement of multilingual projects can sway academic curricula, library acquisitions, and publishing decisions, encouraging investment in lesser‑known languages and emerging translators. As literary institutions prioritize diversity and global perspectives, Sze’s advocacy for translation serves as a catalyst, prompting both creators and consumers to explore poetry beyond English‑only boundaries.