#15526
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence
An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
Book • 2022
In 'Babel', R.F.
Kuang delves into the world of 19th-century Oxford, where the Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel, harnesses the power of translation through a magical art called silver-working.
This art manifests the meaning lost in translation into enchanted silver bars, which are used to support the British Empire's colonial expansion.
The story follows Robin Swift, an orphaned Chinese boy brought to London by Professor Lovell, as he navigates his studies at Babel and grapples with the moral implications of serving the Empire versus his loyalty to his motherland.
As Britain engages in an unjust war with China, Robin must decide whether to support the institution or join the shadowy Hermes Society in its efforts to sabotage the Empire's silver-working and colonial ambitions.
Kuang delves into the world of 19th-century Oxford, where the Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel, harnesses the power of translation through a magical art called silver-working.
This art manifests the meaning lost in translation into enchanted silver bars, which are used to support the British Empire's colonial expansion.
The story follows Robin Swift, an orphaned Chinese boy brought to London by Professor Lovell, as he navigates his studies at Babel and grapples with the moral implications of serving the Empire versus his loyalty to his motherland.
As Britain engages in an unjust war with China, Robin must decide whether to support the institution or join the shadowy Hermes Society in its efforts to sabotage the Empire's silver-working and colonial ambitions.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mentioned by 
John McWhorter as a book he read with his sons, set in Victorian-era England during the Opium War.
John McWhorter as a book he read with his sons, set in Victorian-era England during the Opium War.
54 snips
John McWhorter – Liberal Panic over Trump
Recommended by 
Andy Levy as the best book read in 2024 (published in 2022), a beautifully written story about language and colonialism.
Andy Levy as the best book read in 2024 (published in 2022), a beautifully written story about language and colonialism.
The Most Absurd Conservative Controversies of 2024
Mentioned by 
Jennifer Gayoung Lee , the book follows Robin Swift and his journey at Oxford University’s Royal Institute of Translation.
Jennifer Gayoung Lee , the book follows Robin Swift and his journey at Oxford University’s Royal Institute of Translation.
R. F. Kuang, "Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution" (Harper Voyager, 2022)
