I agree with Dr. Kukla. When editing historical documents, let the PAST
speak--be true to the source. Once she reads the Stevens and other
reference books, she'll understand the importance of retaining the
document's integrity.
Darlene Richardson, Historian
VHA History Office
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration (10C3)
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20420
Phone: (202) 273-8923
Fax: (202) 273-9041
"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." --
Harry Truman
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jon Kukla
Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 4:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Transcribing Civil War Diaries
I'll not repeat the good advice from others about editing . . . but in
light of the comment that the diarist "made rare derogatory remarks
about companions and superiors and she has been advised against
including full text of those remarks," I do want to emphasize the
critical importance of including everything and not Bowdlerizing the
text.
Nothing will destroy more quickly the reader's or researcher's
confidence in the integrity of the transcription than a suspicion of
censorship - and with good reason, because nothing (except perhaps
incompetent
transcribing) destroys the integrity of the transcription itself more
quickly than a latter-day censor altering the evidence.
In short, what is the point of transcribing dear old
great-grand-mom/dad's thoughts dishonestly? She/he deserves more respect
than that, and adult family members (not to mention scholars) want to
come as close as they can to the real flesh and blood person and her/his
genuine opinions.
Dr. Jon Kukla, Executive Vice-President
Red Hill - The Patrick Henry National Memorial 1250 Red Hill Road
Brookneal, Virginia 24528 www.redhill.org Phone 434-376-2044 or
800-514-7463
Fax 434-376-2647
- M. Lynn Davis, Office Manager
- Karen Gorham, Associate Curator
- Edith Poindexter, Curator
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