Publishing Scholarly Editions: Archives, Computing, and Experience

Publishing Scholarly Editions provides new intellectual tools for publishing digital editions that bring readers closer to the experimental practices of literature, editing, and reading. It demonstrates this through two editorial exhibitions of nineteenth-century works and uses pragmatism to rethink editorial principles and data modelling. The Conclusion highlights the challenges of publishing digital editions and why they have not been supported by the publishing industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Publishing Scholarly Editions presents groundbreaking intellectual tools for the creation of digital editions that foster a deeper connection between readers and the experimental practices of literature, editing, and reading. This transformative approach encompasses three interconnected sections, each offering a unique perspective on intentionality and data analysis as they relate to the experience of experimentation.

Section 1, titled "Introduction," sets the stage for the exploration that follows. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and frameworks that underpin the subsequent sections. In Section 2, "Intentionality and Data Analysis as Intersubjective, Interrelated, and Illustrative of Experience-as-Experimentation," the authors delve into the intricate relationship between intentionality and data analysis. They argue that these two aspects are not separate entities but rather interdependent and mutually reinforcing, forming the foundation of an experience-as-experimentation approach.

To illustrate these ideas, the authors present two editorial exhibitions of nineteenth-century works. The first exhibition focuses on Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor, a novel that delves into the complexities of human morality and the consequences of power. The second exhibition showcases the anti-slavery anthology The Bow in the Cloud, edited by Mary Anne Rawson. Through these examples, the authors demonstrate how intentionality and data analysis can be employed to shed new light on the textual and historical dimensions of these works.

Section 3, titled "Reimagining Editorial Principles and Data Modeling," takes a pragmatic approach to editorial principles and data modeling. The authors argue for a broader conception of the edition that is rooted in data collections and multimedia experiences. They advocate for a shift from traditional editorial practices that prioritize the preservation of the original text to a more inclusive and dynamic approach that embraces the critical, aesthetic, and experimental affordances of editions of experience.

In Section 4, "Pragmatism and the Reimagining of Editorial Principles and Data Modeling," the authors further explore the implications of their proposed approach. They argue that pragmatism can be a valuable tool for rethinking editorial principles and data modeling, as it encourages a more holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of the edition. By embracing data collections and multimedia experiences, editors can create editions that are not only reliable but also engaging and innovative.

The Conclusion, Section 5, brings attention to the challenges faced by the publishing industry in supporting digital editions. The authors argue that if publications are conceived as pragmatic inventions based on reliable, open-access data collections, then editing can embrace the critical, aesthetic, and experimental affordances of editions of experience. This conclusion highlights the potential for digital editions to revolutionize the way we engage with literature and expand our understanding of the creative process.

In conclusion, Publishing Scholarly Editions offers a groundbreaking framework for the creation of digital editions that redefine the relationship between readers and literature. By embracing intentionality, data analysis, and a pragmatic approach to editorial principles and data modeling, the authors pave the way for a new era of literary exploration and interpretation. This approach not only enhances our understanding of the past but also opens up possibilities for the future of editing and publishing.

Weight: 148g
Dimension: 127 x 176 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108720182