An Introduction to Bibliographical and Textual Studies

by Craig S. Abbott

Overview

To a reader of Joyce's Ulysses, it makes a difference whether one of Stephen Dedalus's first thoughts is "No mother" (as in the printed version) or "No, mother!" (as in the manuscript). The scholarship surrounding such textual differences—and why this discipline should concern readers and literary scholars alike—is the focus of William Proctor Williams and Craig S. Abbott's acclaimed handbook.

This updated, fourth edition outlines the study of texts' composition, revision, physical embodiments, process of transmission, and manner of reception; describes how new technologies such as digital imaging and electronic tagging have changed the way we produce, read, preserve, and research texts; discusses why these matters are central to a historical understanding of literature; and shows how the insights, methods, and products of bibliographical and textual studies can be applied to other branches of scholarship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781603290401
Publisher:	Modern Language Association
Publication date:	01/01/2009
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Craig S. Abbott, a professor emeritus of Northern Illinois University, is author of several studies on modern American poetry.

William Proctor Williams is Professor of English Emeritus at Northern Illinois University and Adjunct Professor of English at the University of Akron. He has published widely on English Renaissance literature, particularly Shakespeare, and on textual criticism, bibliography, and book history.

Editorial Reviews

Abbott and Williams (both English, Northern Illinois U.) outline the study of texts' composition, revision, physical embodiments, process of transmission, and manner of reception. They also discuss why such matters are important to both readers and literary scholars, for gaining a historical understanding of literature and how the methods can be applied to other branches of scholarship. They append the accepted style for textual notation. Their extensive glossary does not indicate pronunciation. No dates are given for earlier editions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews