Translating History: Thirty Years on the Front Lines of Diplomacy with a Top Russian Interpreter

Perevoploscheniye, anyone? The Russian word for ""the ability to put oneself in the speaker's shoes"" characterizes the author's approach to his job as translator. He explains here the exceedingly exacting art of simultaneous translation, which he provided for top Soviet officials, including former leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Korchilov did not study English in school; rather, his first Elvis Presley album galvanized him to teach himself the language after hearing it in 1959, when he turned 19. Eventually he was admitted to the prestigious First Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages, and his career was launched. Here he recounts in uncanny detail--including not just the words but even descriptions of the smiles of various world figures--his travels with Gorbachev and his wife, Raisa Maximovna. Perhaps the most startling moment of the book is when British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher asks him (the interpreter!) what she can do to help his country. He wanted to tell her--but didn't dare--to become prime minister of the U.S.S.R. Korchilov has written three books in one--a treatise on translation, a diplomatic history and a memoir. This is a book that tries to do everything--and succeeds. (June) FYI: For another recent memoir by a top Soviet translator, see Pavel Palazchenko's My Years with Gorbachev and Shevardnadze, from Penn State Press (Forecasts, March 3).