I recently set out to purchase a couple of works translated by one Michael Katz.
I went to Amazon and entered both the translator and the book title as search terms. I found what I was looking for and clicked for details. I saw a link for “other versions” and followed a link to a hardback. The author/translator (etc.) details didn’t change. I ordered the book.
What I received was NOT translated by Michael Katz and therefore not at all what I wanted/paid for.
I am not sure. But it really doesn't matter. Amazon controls the software interface - and there is where the fault lies. The logic is bad. A "hardback edition" of the same book title is not a "hardback edition" of the same book if the translator changes. Anyway, the price of a book isn't worth mucking through customer service. It is just irritating enough to want to rant for a moment.
I recently set out to purchase a couple of works translated by one Michael Katz.
I went to Amazon and entered both the translator and the book title as search terms. I found what I was looking for and clicked for details. I saw a link for “other versions” and followed a link to a hardback. The author/translator (etc.) details didn’t change. I ordered the book.
What I received was NOT translated by Michael Katz and therefore not at all what I wanted/paid for.
Just a note: Buyer be ware.
I'd be interested in a link to the book in question -- the first book that you actually wanted.
I just went to Amazon to recreate my grief. And failed to do so. It was entirely my fault it seems. I was ordering two books at the same time:
The Adolescent by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fathers and Sons by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
I had intended to get both as translated by Katz.
Katz translated Fathers and Sons - and I did manage to get that (in hardback).
But he did NOT translate The Adolescent at all it seems. I got the Pevear/Volokhonsky version (who I don't enjoy as much).
Anyway, sorry to have publicized my asinine mistake.
Edit. There is still a slight issue though. For example:
1. do a search on Dostoevsky and Katz
2. select Notes from Underground (Norton Critical Edition) (Paperback)
3. note that the details show "by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Author), Michael R. Katz (Translator)"
4. now click on "also available in - hardcover"
5. you are now looking at a book which was NOT translated by Katz.
I just went to Amazon to recreate my grief. And failed to do so. It was entirely my fault it seems. I was ordering two books at the same time:
The Adolescent by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fathers and Sons by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
I had intended to get both as translated by Katz.
Katz translated Fathers and Sons - and I did manage to get that (in hardback).
But he did NOT translate The Adolescent at all it seems. I got the Pevear/Volokhonsky version (who I don't enjoy as much).
Anyway, sorry to have publicized my asinine mistake.
Edit. There is still a slight issue though. For example:
1. do a search on Dostoevsky and Katz
2. select Notes from Underground (Norton Critical Edition) (Paperback)
3. note that the details show "by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Author), Michael R. Katz (Translator)"
4. now click on "also available in - hardcover"
5. you are now looking at a book which was NOT translated by Katz.
To me, that is still a form of logic error.
It makes sense to me. That title (not that edition) is available in hardcover. I suppose they could be clearer with text that says "Title also available in hardcover", but once you click, one assumes details would be verified on the page shown before any purchase ensues. ;)
I just went to Amazon to recreate my grief. And failed to do so. It was entirely my fault it seems. I was ordering two books at the same time:
The Adolescent by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fathers and Sons by Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev
I had intended to get both as translated by Katz.
Katz translated Fathers and Sons - and I did manage to get that (in hardback).
But he did NOT translate The Adolescent at all it seems. I got the Pevear/Volokhonsky version (who I don't enjoy as much).
Anyway, sorry to have publicized my asinine mistake.
Edit. There is still a slight issue though. For example:
1. do a search on Dostoevsky and Katz
2. select Notes from Underground (Norton Critical Edition) (Paperback)
3. note that the details show "by Fyodor Dostoevsky (Author), Michael R. Katz (Translator)"
4. now click on "also available in - hardcover"
5. you are now looking at a book which was NOT translated by Katz.
To me, that is still a form of logic error.
Well, those bits you've added to your tale make all the difference. I understand you being upset.
