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Transmediation and the Archive
Decoding Objects in the Digital Age
Series: Book Cultures
158 Pages, Trim size: 6 x 9 in
- Hardcover
- 9781802700879
- Published: September 2024
Building on the field of modern archival practice, Transmediation and the Archive explores the possibilities of archival objects. Investigating material as diverse as early modern printed books, death masks, a spirit photograph, and a manuscript choir book, this study interrogates not only what the objects are now, but also asks what they were before taking material form, and what they can become as their format is transferred to other media. Blending insights from museum, library, archives, and media studies with experiential research, Astrid J. Smith examines the activities that shape the making of heritage objects, and asks how an awareness of digitization practices can inform our knowledge of both their digital and physical form. She proposes a new methodological framework for evaluating the way materiality and media can affect our relationship with historical artefacts and book culture and demonstrates its fascinating application.
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Transmediation as a Framework for Deeper Understanding of Objects
Case Study 1. Spirit Photograph, Death Masks, and a Mournful Museum: Objects Embodying Victorian Traditions Surrounding Death and Mourning
Case Study 2. Gaspar Schott’s Physica curiosa: Objects as Portals for Curiosity and Wonder
Case Study 3. Purposeful Symbols of Power, Souls Saved, and Selves Bettered: Father Junipero Serra’s Mission Choir Book in the Hands of Jane and Leland Stanford
Conclusion
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
Astrid J. Smith is Rare Book and Special Collections Digitization Specialist and a Production Coordinator at Stanford Libraries, focusing on medieval objects and fragile archival materials. A life-long creative, she is especially interested in book arts and the philosophy of digitization.