Matthew Ward date of birth:
1951
How old was Matthew Ward when died?
39
When did Matthew Ward die?
1990
Where did Matthew Ward die?
Amsterdam, NY, USA
Why did Matthew Ward die?
Aids (related complications)
What is Matthew Ward nationality?
American
What is Matthew Ward's occupation?
English/French translator
Matthew Ward claim to fame:
Albert Camus' The Stranger (1989 translation/rendition); PEN Translation Prize in 1989
Short Biography
Matthew Ward (1950/1951 – June 23, 1990) was an American English/French translator noted for his 1989 rendition of Albert Camus' The Stranger. He made several important alterations from the more British-toned translation (and previously only English edition) by Stuart Gilbert. Most notably he altered the quite well known opening line "Mother died today" to "Maman died today". Ward defended the alteration by noting that the more juvenile "Maman" reflects the "curious feeling he (Meursault) has for her". Other examples of Ward altering Gilbert's version include the line, "Il était avec son chien" from, "As usual, he had his dog with him" to "He was with his dog". Once again Ward felt this better reflected Meursault's character. Indeed, later in the novel Meursault notes Salamano's dog is worth no more or less than his wife.