Another stimulating read, thank you. Contemplating on the Victorian desire for purity of the diary form and the focus on honesty and sincerity, it is interesting that a number of diaries, particularly those of military figures, were edited before publication to enhance reputations.
Thank you! It’s interesting to hear how this played out in the published diaries of military figures. It seems that the aspiration for authenticity could not be so easily squared with the wish of diary writers and their families to ‘come off well’. The principle is one thing but, when it becomes personal, things can easily change. Perhaps there was a patriotic element to these editorial decisions too.
Another stimulating read, thank you. Contemplating on the Victorian desire for purity of the diary form and the focus on honesty and sincerity, it is interesting that a number of diaries, particularly those of military figures, were edited before publication to enhance reputations.
Thank you! It’s interesting to hear how this played out in the published diaries of military figures. It seems that the aspiration for authenticity could not be so easily squared with the wish of diary writers and their families to ‘come off well’. The principle is one thing but, when it becomes personal, things can easily change. Perhaps there was a patriotic element to these editorial decisions too.