ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on genetic criticism – the study of the origin of literary texts starting from the materials of their elaboration. A 'typewritten' text can easily be used as the starting point for phases of rewriting and consequently be covered with crossings out. More paradoxical is the fact that the term 'manuscript' can also include typescripts: 'manuscript: any document written by hand: by extension one sometimes includes hand written or printed documents. This chapter considers, briefly, some specific examples of the organization of the typed space, of the possible 'architectures' of the typescript. Writing on the machine eliminates the expressive movements of writing by hand, the graphic traces of scripted impressions. The typewriter changed the relation between production and product. This artisanal object constituted by the typescript, intermediate between manuscript and printed book, is in many cases the result of the work of specialist workers, 'typists'.
