ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a study of Polish Shakespeare translations assembled in the digital collection Polski Szekspir UW, which offers access to all the complete Polish translations of Shakespeare published in the 19th century, essays on their translators, descriptions of translation strategies, and notes on literary and theatrical reception. The collection presents a wealth of new sources, elucidating the hitherto neglected histories of Polish culture. Drawing on the completeness of the resources, the chapter differentiates between initial and polemical translations and sets aside retranslations understood to appear only after the canonical (usually complete) edition is established. The division reflects the specificity of the successive waves of Shakespeare translations conditioned by the pre-existent high standing of the original author, the earlier dissemination of second-hand stage versions, and the historical circumstances inhibiting the establishment of the canonical set. The wide-ranging case studies also exemplify the parallels in the translators' motives and strategies, thereby postulating some archetypal attitudes which trigger and sustain translating enterprises. The chronology, spatial distribution, psychological and social context of translating endeavours allow us to formulate some new hypotheses concerning the mechanisms responsible for the emergence and reception of literature in translation, particularly drama.
