Hey -- I'm new here and not familiar w/ WEBC and stuff, so forgive the intrusion, but this topic caught my eye because I *love* Master and Margarita! I definitely think that the translation can make a *big* difference, and I really like the Burgin/O'Connor translation.

This was a long time ago now, but I studied Russian in college, and in one of my classes we read the original Russian version. The English version that the college bookstore had was, IMO, really poor. (I don't offhand remember which one it was, and it's in a box in a closet somewhere.) The Burgin/O'Connor translation is very true to the original, and I found the notes helpful, even having read the book before.

This is one of those books I re-read ever few years. It's been a little while... I should pick it up again soon.

Welcome to the board 2sheds!

you will find that a lot of fun occurs over in the worlds end.... (and they will give you a red balloon and sometimes cookies!)

that said:

WEBC = Worlds End Book Club

it is in no way exclusive we just pick a book every month (well there abouts) read it and all contribute to the discussion, new members always welcome! or you can just contribute to the threads if you have already read the book

thanks for the notes on translation, my copy wasn't the one you mentioned, maybe have to go back and read that one someday!