Washington, D.C. – In the latest episode of WTOP’s “Matt About Town,” host Matt Kaufax visited the Folger Shakespeare Library to spotlight a little‑known piece of preservation technology that keeps the works of William Shakespeare reliable for modern readers.
The Hinman Collator: A Mechanical Marvel
The device, known as the Hinman Collator, weighs roughly 400 pounds and was invented in the late 1940s by renowned Shakespeare scholar Charlton Hinman. Using a combination of lights, mirrors and a blinking strobe, the collator places two pages from separate copies of a text side by side. Any minute typographical differences or textual variations flash into view, allowing researchers to spot discrepancies instantly.
Why It Matters
Shakespeare’s plays and poems were printed in a time before modern quality‑control standards. Over the centuries, copies have accumulated errors, omissions, and alterations. By employing the collator, scholars can identify the most authentic readings of the original works. This precision underpins the accuracy of contemporary editions, stage productions, film adaptations, and even the textbooks used in schools today.
Global Reach from a D.C. Institution
Since its installation, the Hinman Collator has attracted researchers from around the world. Academics studying early modern literature, textual criticism, and historical linguistics travel to the Folger to compare rare folios, quartos, and early printed editions. The library’s staff reports that the collator remains a cornerstone of their conservation program, despite the rise of digital imaging technologies.
Part of a Larger Series
This segment is the fourth installment in a five‑part series highlighting the Folger’s unique resources. Listeners can hear the full episode on WTOP’s 103.5 FM broadcast each Tuesday and Thursday, or stream it on YouTube via the @WTOPNewsDC and @TheMattAboutTown channels.
Community Connection
Beyond its scholarly impact, the Folger Shakespeare Library serves as a cultural hub for Washington, D.C. Residents and visitors alike can attend public exhibitions, lectures, and performances that celebrate the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work. The library’s commitment to preserving original texts ensures that future generations can experience the playwright’s words as closely as possible to how they were first printed.
For anyone interested in the intersection of history, technology, and literature, the Hinman Collator offers a tangible reminder that even the most venerable works require careful stewardship. As Matt Kaufax notes, “It’s amazing to think that a device built more than 70 years ago still plays a vital role in how we understand Shakespeare today.”
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
