Obituary – Cause of Death : “Gregory Rabassa, Translator of Latin American Literary Greats, Passes at 94”

Gregory Rabassa, a renowned translator of Latin American literary masterworks, has passed away at the age of 94. His death was announced by the Washington Post, and the news of his demise has left a void in the literary world.

Born in Yonkers, New York, in 1922, Rabassa developed a passion for languages from a young age. He studied at Dartmouth College, where he excelled in his studies and discovered his love for literature. After completing his undergraduate degree, Rabassa went on to earn a Ph.D. in Romance Languages from Columbia University.

Rabassa’s translation career began in the late 1950s when he was introduced to the works of Latin American authors such as Jorge Amado and Julio Cortázar. He became captivated by their storytelling and decided to dedicate his life to bringing their works to an English-speaking audience.

His breakthrough came in 1967 when he translated Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece, “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” The novel, with its complex narrative and richly imaginative storytelling, was a challenge to translate, but Rabassa’s skill and deep understanding of the original text allowed him to capture its essence in English. The translated version was an instant success, propelling both Marquez and Rabassa to international fame.

Rabassa’s translation work extended beyond Marquez’s novels. He also translated works by other celebrated Latin American authors such as Mario Vargas Llosa, Julio Cortázar, and Clarice Lispector. His translations were praised for their fidelity to the original text while also capturing the unique cultural nuances and linguistic styles of the authors.

Throughout his career, Rabassa received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the field of translation. In 2001, he was honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton for his outstanding achievements. He was also a recipient of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation, recognizing his significant impact on the literary world.

Rabassa’s legacy as a translator is immeasurable. His work not only introduced Latin American literature to a wider audience but also helped bridge cultural gaps and fostered a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of world literature. His translations continue to be celebrated and studied by scholars and readers alike.

While the cause of Rabassa’s death has not been disclosed, his passing marks the end of an era in the translation world. His unique ability to capture the essence of a text and convey its beauty in a different language will be sorely missed.

As the literary community mourns the loss of Gregory Rabassa, his contributions to the world of translation will be remembered and celebrated. His dedication, skill, and passion for language and literature have left an indelible mark, and his translations will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come. Rest in peace, Gregory Rabassa..

Gregory Rabassa, translator of Latin American literary masterworks, dies at 94 – Washington Post https://t.co/Jt5cv1vT3D

— SpeakThru (@SpeakThru) December 24, 2023

Condolences

@SpeakThru said Gregory Rabassa, translator of Latin American literary masterworks, dies at 94