The Rosenbach

 

The Rosenbach Museum has a large collection of rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and other artifacts.  Choosing an object to write about for this blog, however, was very difficult.  Most of the objects at the Rosenbach are not available for immediate viewing and examination as the books and manuscripts require a very careful handling.  My choice for this blog is based on a quote from our tour of the Rosenbach – “Books are a very democratic object.”  This was meant to explain that the influence a book or story has is left in the hands of the public and not necessarily the author.  The best example of this is with the James Joyce’s original manuscript of Ulysses.

Title: Ulysses
Year: 1917
Material:  Ink and paper               
Creator: James Joyce
Collection:  Literature

James Joyce’s Ulysses is often referred to as one of the greatest novels in history.  The Rosenbach has the original hand written manuscript of this novel.  Currently on view is the “Circe” episode which Joyce began writing in 1920.  He claimed to have written this episode at least five times before finalizing this draft in December of 1920.

Image from www.rosenbach.org

 This manuscript is important to all Joyce fans and those with an interest in English literature and 20^th century literature.  

Portions of the manuscript are always on display at the Rosenbach.  The episodes which are on display are in a constant rotation for preservation purposes.

Dr. Rosenbach originally owned a first edition copy of Ulysses, which, at the time, was banned due to obscenities.  He later purchased the manuscript in 1924 from a lawyer who had defended Joyce and his publishers from the obscenity charges under Comstock laws.  

Image from: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/travel/escapes/31trip.html

Due to the delicate nature of paper and its sensitivity to light, only portions of the manuscript may be on display at a time.  These pages are under a glass case in a room that is only accessible with a museum guide.  The case is covered from light when visitors are not viewing the pages.  Additionally, a portion of the manuscript is on display adjacent to the manuscript of Stephen Colbert’s book I am a Pole, and So Can You!  There are a few small plaques near the manuscript that offer some descriptions of the significance of the particular pages on display.

The label for the manuscript points viewers to the differences between the manuscript and the final printed copy.  The labels do not seek to give the viewer a particular point of view or opinion of the manuscript, but just to offer information.

Other objects in the exhibition space include the original notes from Dracula and other books.  These manuscripts add to the appreciation of the hand written copy of the texts.  There are also thousands of books on shelves surrounding the manuscript.  These books serve as a visual representation of other works that have been influenced by Ulysses.

Knowledge of the book and its impact on literature in the 20^th century, or even Joyce’s other works would assist with the understanding of this manuscript.  An appreciation for English or 20^th century literature would enhance the appreciation of this manuscript.

This manuscript may not be interesting to visitors who have no knowledge of English literature.  Young children and those to whom reading is a chore may not enjoy or appreciate viewing the manuscript.  Additionally, the way the manuscript is presented may not be interesting to some viewers.  There is no way for viewers to interact with the manuscript.  If they do not know the story of Ulysses, the only way for the viewer to gain context is to read the writing on the manuscript, which is often not legible.  These factors may make the manuscript not as interesting as it could or should be.

Aside from the importance to the story, the manuscript provides a narrative for how books can be democratic objects.  In the final version of the book, the “word known to all men” is not included.  It is, however, present in the manuscript.  This manuscript version of the story was not seen by the public and therefore the public was allowed to decide what Joyce intended the answer to be. 

Similar to this representation of books as democratic objects is the nearby collection of Romeo and Juliet stories.  The original story by Shakespeare was given to the public who then interpreted the story in a number of different ways, including versions in which both characters live happily ever after.

A side to side comparison of the final printed copy and the manuscript would create a different experience for the viewer.  Viewers would then not have to rely on their own knowledge of the book to connect with the information.  Similarly, an audio/visual interactive could allow visitors to connect with the manuscript different way than just viewing the pages from behind glass.