Posted by Ed Kiser on April 02, 2000 at 14:17:45 from MIAMB207-16.splitrock.net:
In Reply to: Re: Ransome's characters, in PAIRS posted by Harry Miller on March 30, 2000 at 21:13:28:
The typing continues, as spare moments permit. No great hurry with
this project, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.
So far the status report on the typing project has the following
books completed:
Swallows and Amazons
Swallowdale
Winter Holiday
Pigeon Post
Work is in progress on Picts and Martyrs.
Sure is handy to have this stuff "on-line" where scans can be
made for such expressions as "Tea Bay". Found only one in the
four books so far entered, the single reference in SA, during the
parley on Wild Cat.
As familiar as I think I am with these books, it continues to
amaze me, that as I type in each word, and try to copy the
spelling (different from American style spelling), just how much
comes to my attention that I had never remembered noticing before.
It shows such much more than just a re-reading would produce.
Of course, it takes a lot more work, but as a labor (er, labour)
of love, it is well worth it.
Too bad copyright say I can only use these copies for personal
usage only, and cannot distribute these electronic versions.
There is another benefit: my typing skills have definitely improved,
but my spelling still suffers as we Americans do have our own mode
of spelling that is sometimes unlike the spelling in the UK. But
the main benefit is my own personal enhancement of my understanding
of the stories of Ransome, for there is the wealth for those with
the patience to dig it out.
Thank you, Arthur, for the experiences you have shared with us all.
Ed Kiser