|
Hadn't looked in this thread for a few days because I didn't expect anything new to happen, and now this: an MR uploader quietly modernizes the vocabulary of a 19th century author. I really hadn't expected that, and of course it is not okay at all.
Of course it is any editor's prerogative to edit away to their heart's content, but they have to inform their readers of the fact. I can deal with modernized spelling - I wouldn't do it myself, but it's common practice and doesn't seriously change meaning (in most cases); but changing actual words is a whole different kettle of fish. As I said, any editor is entitled to change every single word of a text that is in the public domain - but they really really must inform potential readers of the fact - and of every single word that has been changed.
Unless, of course, you think the English of the 19th century is so far removed from its 21st century version that it needs translating; then you wouldn't have to inform about every single change but would have to put on the cover "translated from the Victorian English by AlexBell." Not sure if that would have me running for the hills or perversely interested, but at least I'd know what I was letting myself in for if I should decide to give it a try.
|