# The Task of the Translator __An Introduction to the Translation of Baudelaire's Tableaux Parisien__

Regular book auctions must have been a phenomenon of European cities and fairly accessible.

habent sua fata libelli -> books have their fate It is surprising to find an articulation of the same passion, affliction, or habit, however it is, that I have. Only these statements are from a different time and place, untarnished by some of the epiphenomenon of collection that has arisen in the wake of trading cards, comics, and other items of occasional liquid value. The why, as stated by Benjamin, I find persists. As is suggested here, writing my own books, but perhaps especially regularly publishing print editions, is a form of collecting.

In a more personal tenor does the description of Kafka’s literary influence in life versus death cause me to reflect. These digital integrations into my publishing operations can feel like a goose chase. The truth is that, perhaps naively, I consider my literary works an accomplishment in themselves. That they were not received by the world suggests that there is little reason to be an absolutist about literary work. I have a confidence in them that makes me endeavor to increase their reception rather than toil on more works that will be ignored. The French on xi translates to Being a useful man has always seemed to me something very hideous, and I guess I have endeavored to become useful of late, or at least recognized. This does make me somewhat melancholy. #### xix This emphasis on *Bedeutung*, which means significance, reminds me of the discussion of “agitation” on page 105 of *Radical Wordsworth*. ## II. The Dark Times *This introduction is good, but rather long, and, as I have read it before, I skip ahead to Benjamin’s own writing.* # Unpacking My Library ## *A Talk About Book Collecting*