zlacker

>>agomez+(OP)
Warning: Do not read this translation!

OK, that may be a bit harsh. But the danger is that a translation that is out-of-date or badly done will turn you off the book. Many classic books whose translations are now beyond copyright are available for free. But these translations are, generally speaking, poor. To really appreciate these books, find a translation that is up-to-date and that suits your reading style.

>>herodo+98
>But these translations are, generally speaking, poor.

I think that's an unfair characterization - Benjamin Jowett's translations of Plato's dialogues are decent and readable (these are readily available online). I also liked H.G. Dakyn's translations of Xenophon's The Memorabilia and The Symposium:

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1177/pg1177-images.html

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1181/pg1181-images.html

>>ttonky+zj
And Jowett's translations are explicitly not recommended for anyone trying to study Plato's thought, which is what most people read Plato for (the same goes for all public domain translations of philosophy). At least with outdated translations of literature you can argue for some kind of added value: people don't read Chapman's or Pope's Homer for their accuracy. But philosophy is another matter.

>>megmog+DA
Why? Jowett's translation of Plato are highly readable and clear. He was a highly regarded academic in his time.