Introduction

In this investigation we will explore the scans of both the 1818 edition and the later 1831 edition of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein. These scans are easily accessible, through the Gale Primary Sources database, which is provided by the University of Oregon. The main focus of our study is to analyze the differences in text and visuals between these two versions and understand how these variations impact the readers experience.

Variations in Text and Their Influence

When one compares the original edition published in 1818 with the second edition published several years later in 1831, it becomes clear that many modifications were made to the book. These modifications largely concern the use of language, the organization, and the development of characters within the narrative. Considering that Mary Shelley herself edited the version that was published in 1831, it is clear that the modifications were made with the intention of influencing the reader’s perception and analysis of the characters that are contained within the work, as well as shedding more light on the ideas and narrative goals that Mary Shelley had while she was writing the first edition of Frankenstein.

The intent in this text is to describe, in detail, the many ways the two books disagree. The objective is to find out the dissimilarities between these two editions and figuring in the changes Mary Shelley made in the 13 years that separate them.

1. 1818 First Edition (UO’s Gale Primary Sources):

The digital scans that were accessible through UOs Gale Primary Sources gives us access to what the book the 1818 readers experience, allowing us some form of the vision that readers would have gotten a chance to read, and gives us a bigger sense of the audience, not only the highly educated, but the images helps in the authenticity of the books, with the looks and type of writer as well as the structure of the pages.

Figure 1: A comparison of textual differences between the 1818 and 1831 editions (Source: UO’s Gale Primary Sources).

 A side-by-side comparison of pages from the 1818 and 1831 editions of Frankenstein, highlighting textual differences. ( displayed below )

2. 1831 Second Edition:

In her essay, “Critics, Compilers, and Commentators,” Josephine Donovan talks about the various digital versions of Frankenstein and how the format and materials used in each edition can affect the experience of reading, critiquing, and researching the novel. For example, the digital 1818 edition presents the story in its written form along with its original typeface and layout, making it a valuable source for studying Frankenstein for how it was presented visually. However, she notes that changes may have been made in the digital 1831 edition’s typography and layout, which may have an affect on the reader’s overall reaction to Frankenstein

Figure 2: A comparison of textual differences between the 1818 and 1831 editions (Source: Hathi Trust) 

A side-by-side comparison of pages from the 1818 and 1831 editions of Frankenstein, highlighting textual differences. ( displayed above )

The arrangement and characteristics of digital scans

Among circles, the discussion about the differences and similarity between transcription and archival photography or scanning. Many people wonder why did they want all these scansion of the photos or the transcription especially now that we are in the era of digital copies. Some said it is easier because it is a copy, so it is easier to find and get the information from there. But need to consider is it authentic that we are actually looking at the document and see the full document. For photos or files it is an action that is also said to be seen as now it is closer to the historical items but depends are you able to even read it?

Reflection

Studying the pictures lets you see a different perspective of the improvement of Frankenstein’s work. Within the text, there’s a number of differences there that showed that that author went back and worked on their essay which shows how they took this seriously. Layouts and styles verses the photographs that showed you the importance of also just looking for things within the text. Striking a balance rolling in the preservation of the literature forms significance is required to ensure the transcription and lay of accuracy of the archival scans.