Samuel Wells Williams’ translation of “Strange Tales of the Chinese Studio” is known for its accuracy and faithfulness to the original text. He was a sinologist and linguist who had a deep understanding of both classical Chinese language and culture, which allowed him to provide detailed annotations and explanations of the text.
Williams’ translation also reflects his own literary style, which is characterized by clarity, precision, and simplicity. He sought to convey the meaning of the original text as accurately as possible while making it accessible to English-speaking readers.
In terms of textual analysis, Williams’ translation has been praised for its attention to detail and its ability to capture the unique style and tone of Pu Songling’s writing. However, some critics have noted that his translation may be too literal at times, which can make it difficult for readers who are not familiar with Chinese literature or culture.
Overall, Samuel Wells Williams’ translation of “Strange Tales of the Chinese Studio” remains an important work in the field of sinology and a valuable resource for anyone interested in studying this classic novel.
