Versification and Authorship Attribution

Contemporary stylometry uses machine learning to determine a poem's author, but versification features like rhythm patterns and rhyme types are often ignored. Petr Plecháč tests his findings on two unsolved literary mysteries, distinguishing the parts of The Two Noble Kinsmen written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher and solving a case of suspected forgery. This book appeals to literary sleuths.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 98 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Karolinum,Nakladatelstvi Univerzity Karlovy,Czech Republic

A captivating exploration into two enigmatic literary mysteries delves into the realm of contemporary stylometry, a cutting-edge technique that employs diverse methods, including machine learning, to unveil the true author of a poem. However, a crucial aspect often overlooked by this method is versification, the art of transforming language into verse. In his groundbreaking study, Petr Plecháč examines whether versification features, such as rhythm patterns and rhyme schemes, can assist in identifying the authorship of poetic texts across three distinct languages: Czech, German, and Spanish.

To test his hypotheses, Plecháč delves into two intriguing unsolved literary mysteries. In the first case, he analyzes the Elizabethan verse play "The Two Noble Kinsmen," written by William Shakespeare and his coauthor John Fletcher. By meticulously examining the stylistic differences between the two parts, Plecháč sheds light on Shakespeare's distinctive writing style and demonstrates how versification can contribute to authorship identification.

In the second mystery, Plecháč takes on the challenge of determining the authenticity of a group of poems initially attributed to the nineteenth-century Russian author Gavriil Stepanovich Batenkov. Employing a meticulous analysis of linguistic patterns and stylistic characteristics, he attempts to unravel the truth behind the suspected forgery. Through his meticulous research and analytical skills, Plecháč provides compelling evidence supporting his conclusions and sheds new light on the intricate world of literary attribution.

This captivating book, penned by Petr Plecháč, is a must-read for literary sleuths and enthusiasts alike. It offers a profound insight into the complexities of poetic authorship and showcases the power of contemporary stylometry in unraveling the mysteries of literary history. By exploring the interplay between versification and authorship, Plecháč has opened up a new avenue for scholars and researchers to explore the rich tapestry of poetic expression.

Dimension: 203 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788024648712