Project Update…

My last post was a cover shot of a Scottish chapbook, a prelude to my course project topic. I have mentioned the possibility of doing something with GIS, however, jumped at the opportunity at helping the universities library digitizing their large collection of chapbooks.  FYI: the University of Guelph Library has one of the largest Scottish collections outside the UK, amazing! So instead of the rest of my brave classmates, I chose the chapbooks.

Firstly, I just went through the list of titles to see if any caught my interest for a topic. I had thought of tracking one story throughout the years. I saw the story of “Duke of Gordon’s three daughter’s” as an example.  There’s a edition in 1820, 1824, 1850 and finally one in 1850.  Why so many publications throughout the years, why those years? Was it that popular to keep publishing it, if so, what was its appeal?

I then saw a lot of battles portrayed in the chapbooks, Battle of the Boyne being one of them, but others that I have never heard of. This coming from a history nerd and a special eye on the British Isles. What were these battles about and what was their significance then and now? Who were the key figure’s, what were their motivations. If I hadn’t heard of them then do they, if at all, change my understanding of Scottish history?

After tossing about a few more ideas about looking at biographies and religious content I had found my topic: Scottish heroes vs. villains!  I’m going to look at the chapbooks as a tool used to depict the heroes and the villains of the time.  I can incorporate biographies, battle accounts and folk tales as a base to work off of; for example the biography of William Wallace as popular Scottish hero and patriot.

Stay tuned for other updates and names of some people I find in my search!

Battle of the Boyne

A description of the battle in a 19th century Scottish chapbook.

Its APP time: Romeo and Juliet style!

Canadian Adaptations of Shakespeare Project (CASP) is a research project devoted to all things William Shakespeare. Its a database developed by University of Guelph Professor Daniel Fischlin.  The database allows full access to Canadian adaptations and productions of Shakespeare’s plays. The second version launched in 2007 offered teaching and multimedia resources for its audience. CASP has an ongoing commitment to blending humanities research, new media, online publishing, accessibility, and community engagement.

Admirable qualities, right?! But, here’s the cool part, CASP has ‘an App for that‘. The Romeo and Juliet App is interactive and a useful study guide!

As you can see by the website, the app gives an in depth look into the story, characters, plot and gives you fun facts, and sources referenced in the play and for your own research. Its a great way to incorporate information and learning into popular culture. Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular plays Shakespeare has written and is studied widely. I highly recommend this app if your interested in brushing up on the Shakespeare epic love story.

Digital Haptic Lab

I had heard about 3D printing when it first became popular to the public and I remember myself thinking … how cool is that to print images into a 3D object. One of my friends even said, jokingly, “what if they could print food in a few years with this stuff.” Umm, yah they actually said that. Looking back on the comment its hilarious but, that’s besides the point. You can only imagine my surprise when i found out the University of Guelph has its own Digital Haptic Lab. The website gives background information on the men behind the scene’s and some of their projects (the possibilities seem endless). Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Haptic lab myself. I got to test some of the tools they use so, I had to share this with you all.

Enjoy and let your imagination run wild!