BABEL OR THE NECESSITY OF
Details
From award-winning author R. F. Kuang comes Babel, a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British empire.
Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.
1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he'll enroll in Oxford University's prestigious Royal Institute of Translation-also known as Babel.
Babel is the world's center for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver working-the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars-has made the British unparalleled in power, as its knowledge serves the Empire's quest for colonization.
For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide . . .
Can powerful institutions be changed from within, or does revolution always require violence?
| Author: | KUANG R F |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13: | 9780063021426 |
| Publisher: | HARPER COLLINS |
|---|
Shipping Info
Once the order has been picked and packed, it will be sent via Standard, 2nd Business Day, or Next Business Day delivery. Arrival times are dependent on item availability and ship-from location. Saturday deliveries in most areas. Severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond our control can occasionally disrupt shipping services.
- Standard (arrives in 4-7 days)
- 2nd Business Day (arrives in 3-4 days)
- Next Business Day (arrives in 2-3 days)
For ONLINE ONLY items, shipping is not available to PO Boxes, APO/ FPO/ DPO, or international addresses. Ships to Continental U.S. only. View Description & Details for additional shipping details related to the item.
Return Policy
A valid receipt or packing slip is required for all refunds or exchanges. Shipping and handling fees are not refundable.
Graduation Regalia
Graduation Regalia (cap & gown) must be in new condition and will not be returnable if worn or altered in any way. Product must be unused in order to receive a refund. The last day for a full refund is 30 days after the purchase date on your receipt.
Hardware & Software
Unopened computer hardware and software must be returned within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
Electronic Software Download (ESD) purchases are Final and Non-Returnable.
Other Merchandise
For questions related to ONLINE ONLY product returns or items received, contact your Campus Store or Customer Service at 1-888-279-8008.
All other merchandise that is unopened and in original condition can be returned within 30 days of purchase.
