A Tale of Three Grandmothers: Božena Němcová in her time and ours

Božena Němcová’s  ‘Babička’ is one of the best-loved works of Czech literature. She herself was a prominent figure in 19th-century literary circles and the National Revival despite the disadvantages which she faced as a woman writer and in a troubled personal life. Susan Reynolds will consider the two existing translations into English (1891 and 1962), the challenges of preparing a new one, and changing perceptions of Němcová’s life and work in the 21st century. Susan has recently completed a new translation of Božena Němcová’s ‘Babička’ for Jantar Publishing.

Susan Reynolds was appointed as curator of Czech and Slovak at the British Library in 2004 and now works in its department of Research Services. She has lectured and published on Czech cultural links with France and Germany, and her publications include translations of Karel Jaromír Erben’s ‘Kytice’ (2013), the Adorno-Kracauer correspondence (2020) and a chapter in ‘Racine’s Roman Tragedies’ (2022).

This event will take place in person and will also be livestreamed.

BCSA members enjoy free entry but registration is essential via Eventbrite. Non-members £10, full-time students £5.

All proceeds from this event will go to the BCSA School Support Fund established in 2004 to provide support for English language skills in Czech and Slovak schools and other educational institutions. For more information about our fund, see https://www.bcsa.co.uk/school-support-fund/

Light refreshments will be provided.