In the realm of literary accolades, one name shines brightly: Moira Egan. After a remarkable 18-year tenure as a Creative Writing teacher at St. Stephen's School, Egan announced her retirement earlier this year at the same time she added another prestigious accomplishment to her impressive resume.
Egan clinched the esteemed Raiziss/De Palchi Fellowship of the Academy of American Poets for her remarkable translation of "Letters of Black Fire" by Italian poet Giorgiomaria Cornelio. This prestigious prize recognizes the translation of a significant work of modern Italian poetry into English, coupled with a five-week residency at the esteemed American Academy in Rome.
Originally hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Egan boasts an impressive literary repertoire, with nine published books of poetry to her name distributed across both the U.S. and Italy. Her latest bilingual endeavor, "Amore e morte" (Edizioni Tlon, 2022), stands as a testament to her linguistic prowess and creative vision. Egan's poetic musings have traversed continents, finding a home in journals and anthologies worldwide, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the craft.
Egan's translation prowess extends beyond the boundaries of poetry, as she, alongside her husband and translating partner, Damiano Abeni, has brought to life works by esteemed literary figures such as John Ashbery, Frank Bidart, and Ocean Vuong. Their collaborative efforts have not only bridged linguistic divides but have also enriched the literary landscape with nuanced and evocative prose translations.
The recognition bestowed upon Egan's translation of Cornelio's work is a testament to her exceptional talent and commitment to the art of translation. The judges aptly commended Egan for capturing Cornelio's enigmatic and experimental voice, seamlessly transposing the essence of his poetry into English while preserving its linguistic complexity and emotive power.
When translating intricate texts, Egan emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both source and target languages. Her collaborative partnership with Abeni underscores the beauty of shared creativity, where each partner brings their unique linguistic insights to the table, resulting in translations that resonate deeply with readers.
As St. Stephen's School prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, Moira Egan's remarkable achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for the entire community. Her unwavering dedication to the school and her students, her craft of translation, and her creative vision epitomize the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines the institution. As she embarks on her retirement, Egan's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of writers and translators to explore the boundless possibilities of language and literature. St. Stephen’s students are poised to carry forward her tradition of literary excellence, embracing the transformative power of words and continuing to push the boundaries of creative expression.
