Digitalizing the Past
From the beginning of the creation of the web text translations and transcriptions have dominated the media. Because the 1818 text of Frankenstein has entered public domain there are a vast majority of transcriptions from the original text that have been digitalized. There are several pros and cons of creating. Digitalizing media can create an exceptional user access to the content but on the other hand, it can also lead to incorrect translation leading to a loss of original meaning. In this post I will be discussing the differences between a copy of Frankenstein that that has been photocopied from the original 1818 text one that has been transcribed from a software.
Frankenstein Photocopy
A photocopy is something that is scanned directly. Similar to taking a picture but it is cropped perfectly for viewer discretion. The thing that is good about photocopies is that the original text stays in tact and there are zero alterations. The version of photocopy that I am referencing to is from Gale Primary Sources. This website is great. It includes the entire novel with a search function. This source also has a feature where you can change the orientation of the image.
-source- Frankenstein; or, The modern Prometheus
Frankenstein transcription
In The Shelley-Godwin archive the creators use a method of transcriptions. Transcriptions use text interpterion on original documents through software.
In these images we can see the transition between the journals and digitalization. The pros of having the transcriptions is that the creators left the original strikethroughs. These mistakes that the author left out of the finalized copy grant even further insight in the thoughts of Shelley. These transcriptions are revolutionary to have in public hands because they unravel secrets of the story that would be lost if we did not have this tool.
-source- The Shelley-Godwin Archive
The Conclusion
Both of these variations of Frankenstein are unique in their own ways. In my opinion the user interface of the transcription is vastly superior to the photocopy version. Both of these outlets of media target different audiences. The transcription is pointed towards being more educational where the photocopy is used if you straight up want to read the novel. Neither one of these are better than the other. Altering Shelly’s novel in this case is something his is beautiful. Creating easy and accessible versions of the text opens up whole new windows of opportunities.