Early Indigenous Literatures

Marrant Title Page Annotation 3

The power of religion is again evident in the paratext, as ultimately the Reverend’s influence shines and overpowers the original words. What complicates this even further is when the paratext notes that this is “the fifth edition, with additions and notes explanatory.” But it is unclear who decided to make so many more editions, and who included the additions and notes. Since Reverend Aldridge is noted as a corrector, perhaps he had jurisdiction in this edition and continued to distort the text for his own religious gains. The influence of religion within the paratexts is an intentional decision, as Phillip Round mentions that “writing was institutional practice tied to the colonial power structure.”[1] The Euro-American practice of religion is classified as a necessary concept that must be constantly foregrounded in the paratextual materials.
 
[1] Phillip H. Round, Removable Type: Histories of the Book in Indian Country, 1663-1880, (2010), 38.

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