TRANSLATION AND/AS SOFT POWER: LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE IN THE U.S. DURING THE COLD WAR*

Abstract This essay explores the growth of field Latin American literature in translation U.S. from second World War through 1970s. In particular, I focus on how private actors such as publishers, translators, and philanthropic organizations strategically pushed to translate region a mode book diplomacy, whereby publications are subsidized, translated, disseminated means establishing goodwill with their authors advocates, and, ultimately, compatriots. begin by examining publisher Alfred A. Knopf's efforts literature, while also exploring cultural diplomacy Harriet de Onís, main translator for Spanish Portuguese 1950 late 1960s. Subsequently, discuss two subsidy programs 1960s 1970s that were founded different Rockefeller philanthropies an eye towards casting democratic system positive light writers at time when revolutionary fervor anti-Americanism running high region. each case, Brazilian authors-including, course, Machado Assis-play prominent role. end brief discussion move Assis into English early 1950s fits this broader panorama-or doesn't.