Forms
From the Editors
Dear Readers of Ancient Exchanges,
Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of Ancient Exchanges – Forms! The question of shape, text, and appearance is more apparent than ever in the pieces included in this issue, but the form of the text is an ever present consideration to the translator – especially those of us translating ancient texts whose form has been corrupted by the years that lie between us and the original composition. How then to reconcile the differences between the forms we know to have existed, and those that we are left with today?
Our authors for this issue have addressed the matter in many ways – all of them intriguing. Shiyang Su translates book 4 of Virgil’s Aeneid piecemeal, with each selection of lines molded into something unique, that brings the reader to a new understanding of Dido and Aeneas. Alyssa Pierce and Denis Ferhatović each translate different works from the famous Exeter Book. Pierce uses shading to cleverly convey the (un)readabilty of the original text due to lancunae, while Ferhatović pulls the Old English into the modern day by drastically shifting the names, references and context of the original to produce something innovative and touching. Demijan Vilupek tackles the Old Slavonic and Glagolitic script of the Parisian Songbook with grace to produce an accessible yet detailed translation. All these and more await your attention!
As you form your intentions to read through these wonderful translations, a final note on housekeeping for the journal. All past issues have now been re-digitized and added to our archive, accessible in the drop-down menu at the top of the webpage. Going forward, we hope to further refine the form and appearance of these past issues, but for now at least, they are all available to read and enjoy. As ever, the Ancient Exchanges podcast, Translators Note 2.0, features episodes from past and present contributors, as well as conversations with contemporary translators whose work touches on similar material as that of our journal. Episodes can be found on our Spotify account or as regular uploads to our web platform. Coming soon: a conversation with Shiyang Su and with our editorial team about the process of making this issue!
We hope you all enjoy this issue and keep an eye out for our fall call for submissions!
non pro forma sed societatis causa,
The AX Team