"In the thirteenth century Roger Bacon wrote that if a translation is to be true, the translator must know both languages, along with the science he wishes to translate. I knew no French when I began and know very little now. I definitely cannot speak the language.

Yet, utilizing a French to English dictionary, a guide to French idioms, online translation programs, Gladys Edgerton’s 1920 translation (primarily for assistance in regards to grammar) and a great deal of time, I have succeeded in satisfying whatever urge I had to consume or adopt Jammes’ story. I have made amends with Edgerton, and as a result have translated Le Roman du Lievre into English, and into a form that suits, if not mirrors, my own conflicting feelings in regards to spirituality, responsibility and the natural world.

This compact disc is an audio recording of Le Roman du Lievre, a fable by a French poet writing at the turn of the century, translated by an Alaskan studying in London, and read aloud by Florence Boyd, part Welsh and part Australian, residing in England.

I mention each contributor’s background so as to emphasize the long distance that this story has traveled, both through time and through culture, before reaching this point.

The absurdity of undertaking such a translation is intentionally in conflict with the presentation of the work. Its case is type set and hand made, pages printed on Bible paper, the first ten copies accompanied by original etchings by Boyd. Yet the translation and its recording are obviously unfinished. A LOFI recording made in my home, read aloud by Flo, complete with mistakes, typos and the sounds of birds, dogs and planes. The album is contradictory in nature, and hopefully suggests that the work as a whole is far from complete."
-James Riordan (from the liner notes).