Why Modern Manuscripts Matter

This book explores the politics, commerce, and aesthetics of heritage culture in the shape of authors' manuscripts, examining why we trade, conserve, and covet them. It considers manuscripts as residues of meaning that print is unable to capture, and offers case studies of writers from the first great period of manuscript survival.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This captivating exploration delves into the multifaceted realm of heritage culture, encompassing the realms of politics, commerce, and aesthetics. Through a meticulous examination of authors' manuscripts, it sheds light on the profound significance of these written treasures in the ever-evolving landscape of literature.

The emergence of print in the eighteenth century marked a pivotal moment, as readers began to appreciate the hand as a unique identifier and the blotted page, adorned with deletion and revision marks, as a testament to artistic brilliance. Consequently, manuscripts have become the subject of fierce competition among collectors, libraries, wealthy individuals, and scholars alike. These invaluable artifacts have been displayed behind protective glass in exhibitions, captivating audiences with their raw, unpolished beauty.

Yet, why do we trade, conserve, and covet these remnants of literary history? Are they merely the byproducts of the printed word, destined to be discarded once the novel or book of poetry enters the public domain? Modern literary manuscripts exist on the delicate boundary between precious treasure and abject waste, litter, and mess. They are fragments of meaning that print fails to fully capture, representing a unique form of artistic expression that transcends the limitations of the printed page.

In this insightful book, a series of case studies are presented, each exploring the expressive agency and provocation of manuscripts. These case studies encompass a diverse range of writers, spanning from the first great period of manuscript survival to contemporary times. Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Walter Scott, Frances Burney, and Jane Austen, among others, serve as examples of the profound impact that manuscripts have had on their respective literary legacies.

Interwoven with these case studies are discussions of various aspects of manuscript culture. The author delves into William Godwin's meticulous record-keeping practices, the Cairo genizah, Katie Paterson's visionary Future Library project, Andy Warhol's and Muriel Spark's self-archiving endeavors, Cornelia Parker's reclamation art, and many other captivating examples. These discussions shed light on the diverse ways in which manuscripts continue to inspire, influence, and shape our understanding of literature and cultural heritage.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers a fresh perspective on the enduring power of manuscripts. It challenges us to re-read print in the shadow of manuscript, recognizing the unique qualities and complexities that these written treasures possess. Manuscripts, as fragment art, as property, and as waste paper, evoke a range of emotions and provoke thought, reminding us of the rich tapestry of literary history and the enduring value of human creativity.

In conclusion, this captivating exploration of heritage culture delves into the politics, commerce, and aesthetics of authors' manuscripts. It provides a profound understanding of the significance of these written treasures and their role in shaping the literary landscape. By examining the expressive agency and provocation of manuscripts, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of literature and cultural heritage. It encourages us to re-evaluate our relationship with print and embrace the unique beauty and richness of manuscript culture.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192856517