Reading Computer-Generated Books: Artificial Versifying
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like304 views
The document discusses the concept of artificial versifying introduced by John Peter in the 17th century, highlighting its context within the socio-political landscape of Restoration London. It explores the commercial pressures of the London book trade, the role of readership in determining the fate of books, and the author's aim to revive interest in this literary form. Additionally, it reflects on the broader themes of artistic and scientific experimentation during a time of crisis and change.
![I am assured that the ingenuity of the Latter [those who
take pleasure in the power of numbers], will acquit me of
the imputation of Conjuration, wherewith not only by
some illiterate mechanicks, but by a certain academick,
I have been for this thing weakly stigmatized.
Pro captu Lectoris habent sua Fata Libelli [Roughly, a
book’s fate depends on its reader’s capacity.]
The fate of books depends not on the skill or worth of
Authors, but on the’Readers will.
@leahhenrickson](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/slsa2021-artificialversifyingpresentation29062021-211002202418/85/Reading-Computer-Generated-Books-Artificial-Versifying-11-320.jpg)
![My sole reason for bringing it [Artificial Versifying] before
the Public is to rescue so ingenious a puzzle from the
undeserved oblivion in which it has hitherto reposed,
and to provide innocent and at the same time useful
recreation for the curious. Whether, however, it is worth
the honour of reprinting, or the trouble I have bestowed
upon it, I leave to its readers to decide.
@leahhenrickson](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/slsa2021-artificialversifyingpresentation29062021-211002202418/85/Reading-Computer-Generated-Books-Artificial-Versifying-16-320.jpg)
![Pro captu Lectoris habent sua Fata Libelli.
[A book’s fate depends on its reader’s capacity.]
Leah Henrickson
University of Leeds
L.R.Henrickson@leeds.ac.uk
twitter.com/leahhenrickson](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/slsa2021-artificialversifyingpresentation29062021-211002202418/85/Reading-Computer-Generated-Books-Artificial-Versifying-18-320.jpg)
Reading Computer-Generated Books: Artificial Versifying
- 1. Reading Computer-Generated Books: Artificial Versifying Leah Henrickson University of Leeds L.R.Henrickson@leeds.ac.uk twitter.com/leahhenrickson
- 2. A Quick Introduction to Artificial Versifying Who? John Peter What? a pamphlet ~14 pages (octavo) When? 1677 onwards Where? London Why? Good question – let’s explore. Images: https://www-proquest-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/docview/2240917779/99831864 @leahhenrickson
- 4. John Peter • Buckinghamshire -> London • 1640-1684 • A physician • … and all that entails • Largely lost to history, so here’s a still of Robert Downey Jr. playing a doctor in Restoration (1995) Image: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/sep/06/doctor-michael-hoffman-restoration @leahhenrickson
- 6. The Social Conjuncture • King Charles II -> The Restoration • Artistic and scientific proliferation • Balancing fixity and flexibility • The Great Plague of 1665-1666 • ~15% of Londoners dead • The Great Fire of London, 1666 • Want to know more? #PeepAtPepys Images: http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/charles2.htm; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Pepys @leahhenrickson
- 10. JOHN SIMS THOMAS JAMES SCHOOLBOYS ‘THE COMMON FIDDLER’ @leahhenrickson
- 11. I am assured that the ingenuity of the Latter [those who take pleasure in the power of numbers], will acquit me of the imputation of Conjuration, wherewith not only by some illiterate mechanicks, but by a certain academick, I have been for this thing weakly stigmatized. Pro captu Lectoris habent sua Fata Libelli [Roughly, a book’s fate depends on its reader’s capacity.] The fate of books depends not on the skill or worth of Authors, but on the’Readers will. @leahhenrickson
- 12. JOHN SIMS THOMAS JAMES SCHOOLBOYS ‘THE COMMON FIDDLER’ CATALOGUES, ETC. @leahhenrickson
- 13. A Friend of mine, who is a Student in Astrology, meeting with this Book, performed the Operation, by the Rules there set down; he shewed his Verses to the next of his Acquaintance, who happened to understand Latin; and being informed they described a Tempest of Wind, very luckily prefixed them, together with a Translation, to an Almanack he was just then printing, and was supposed to have foretold the last great Storm. @leahhenrickson
- 15. JOHN SIMS THOMAS JAMES SCHOOLBOYS ‘THE COMMON FIDDLER’ CATALOGUES, ETC. EDITIONS REPRINTS REMAKES @leahhenrickson
- 16. My sole reason for bringing it [Artificial Versifying] before the Public is to rescue so ingenious a puzzle from the undeserved oblivion in which it has hitherto reposed, and to provide innocent and at the same time useful recreation for the curious. Whether, however, it is worth the honour of reprinting, or the trouble I have bestowed upon it, I leave to its readers to decide. @leahhenrickson
- 17. Why does this matter? • Artistic and scientific experimentation • Fire, plague, and economic uncertainty • Hype for systematisation + obsession with novelty @leahhenrickson
- 18. Pro captu Lectoris habent sua Fata Libelli. [A book’s fate depends on its reader’s capacity.] Leah Henrickson University of Leeds L.R.Henrickson@leeds.ac.uk twitter.com/leahhenrickson