I saw a tweet from @libwithattitude about the iPad Dracula, and it looked interesting, so took a peep at the website. Go take a quick peek and run back. It's astonishing, so my £2.99 was very quickly spent. I have to say that it's absolutely tremendous, and I'm really enjoying it. My one gripe is that it's abridged, which is annoying. However, once you get over that, the way in which the iPad has been used to emphasis the text is fantastic. I'm reading about Harker's coach trip, and I hear the sounds of the horses hooves and the wheels going over cobbles. I see that he has a letter, and I can flick the envelope onto the screen, open it, and read the handwritten letter. There's a description of Renfield and his flies, and you hear them, and see their shadows buzzing over the page:
It's absolutely fascinating. Some people won't like it, as it includes sound, music, images and so on, which may be regarded as detracting from the reading process, but others will thoroughly enjoy the added richness these bring to the tale. I can really see how this process could be used to great effect when working with students.
It's marvellous - if you have an iPad, buy this app! It's wonderful.
Looks cool, thanks for the great review. I was kinda on fence about purchasing this , not anymore.
Posted by: Gunn | October 24, 2010 at 11:17 PM
I agree, Dracula is an impressive piece of work. Another book, which isn't abridged and comes with an audiobook that's coming out is Treasure Island, the Experience. Quite a different approach than Dracula took, but really engaging we hope:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lkrzsmY_wA
Posted by: Joe | November 04, 2010 at 07:09 PM