By- Erika Semprun
A couple of days ago we discussed translated works and how much a story can change when it’s translated from its original language.
After doing some research. Vista Higher Learning has compiled a list of the most-translated authors of all time. You might recognize a few…
1. Agatha Christie
More than 7,000 translations from English
Genre: Mystery
If you enjoy murder mysteries, you’re sure to be familiar with the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie. But did you know that Christie is the most-published author of all time, behind only the Bible and William Shakespeare? The author has sold more than a billion copies and is published in over 70 languages.
Her most notable translated works are Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None.
2. Jules Verne
More than 4,000 translations from French
Genre: Science fiction
If you’re an avid reader of science fiction, you’re probably quite familiar with Jules Verne. His most notable works, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days, have sold thousands of copies in dozens of languages.
3. William Shakespeare
More than 4,000 translations from English
Genre: Theatre
Even those who are not fanatics of the theatre are familiar with William Shakespeare. His works Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet have been translated into more than 60 languages, including Star Trek’s very own Klingon.
4. Enid Blyton
More than 3,000 translations from English
Genre: Children’s books
With dozens of translations of The Famous Five and Noddy, Blyton is one of the most-published authors of children’s books.
5. Barbara Cartland
More than 3,600 translations from English
Genre: Romance
For readers of romance, Barbara Cartland’s A Sword to the Heart and Fascination in France are two of the most-translated love stories of all time.
6. Danielle Steel — 3,500 translations from English
Genre: Romance
Like Cartland, Steel is also notable for the translation of two of her most famous works: Safe Harbor and A Perfect Stranger.
7. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
More than 3,500 translations from Russian
Genre: Political theory
Not everyone is eager to read political theory, but Russia’s Vladimir Ilyich Lenin has made a name for himself by being one of the most-translated authors of the genre. His most notable works include What Is to Be Done? and The Right of Nations to Self-Determination.
8. Hans Christian Andersen
More than 3,300 translations from Danish
Genre: Children’s books
With thousands of books and translations sold, Hans Christian Andersen is widely known for his fairytale works, including the popular tales of The Little Mermaid and Thumbelina.
9. Stephen King
More than 3,300 translations from English
Genre: Suspense
Readers of thriller and horror praise Stephen King for his dozens of creepy stories, but did you know that his books have been translated into languages such as Russian and Chinese? His most popular translations include The Shawshank Redemption and The Shining.
10. Jacob Grimm
More than 2,900 translations from German
Genre: Children’s books
And finally, the tenth mos-translated author is Jacob Grimm, the creator of two of the most popular children’s stories eer: Snow White and Hansel and Gretel.Grimm’s stories have been told for decades and will continue to be shared with children all around the world for generations to come.
Familiar with any other highly translated authors? Share them with us on social media.
