Horizons for genetic studies

Abstract

The model for genetic analysis that emerges from the study of modern literary manuscripts can, without any possible doubt, be extended to other fields of creation. Such an extension can be envisaged, however, only for works whose archives have been preserved. In a large number of areas such archives do exist and, setting aside inventories that only too often still remain to be carried out, there is no lack of documentary information, just as there is no lack of curiosity or scientific interest: the process of conception and realization of the work is manifestly a central question for any research into intellectual or artistic productions. This type of approach corresponds to a cultural investigation that is characteristic of our time, and the successes already achieved in the field of literature allow us to hope for an at least equally fruitful critical renewal in other disciplines.