Book excerpt: This book is a collection of articles which highlight the fact that good translation theory is based on information gained from practice. At the same time, good practice is based on carefully worked-out theory. The two are interdependent. The authors who have contributed are persons who know the importance of both theory and practice and the tension between the two. They are not only translators but also have long experience in training others. The articles cover a wide variety of topics grouped in five sections. The first presents four graphic descriptions of what happens when one translates. The second looks at aspects of the application of theory from the backgrounds of European and Asian translation practices. The third has excellent articles which apply theory to the fields of poetry, opera, drama, and humor. The fourth section provides four ways of putting theory into practice. The fifth gives language specific examples and the last section deals with the application of theory and practice to teaching in an academic context.