General information on encoding letters in three different contexts: within collections, embedded in other works, and as prefatory material
There are three different types of letters which appear within the WWP textbase, and each needs to be encoded slightly differently. This entry summarizes our practice in each case. For examples, see the separate entry on each topic.
1. Collections of letters
When a letter appears within a collection which consists entirely of letters, or in an anthology-like collection consisting of letters, essays, and other short works each of which can be encoded as a separate div, the WWP uses <div type="letter">. Within div, most letters will contain an opener, a sequence of body paragraphs, and a closer.
opener and closer have the same internal structure to accommodate the fact that some letters have the dateline at the end rather than at the beginning. Note as well that signed is not only for actual signatures, but for printed names as well. Postscripts (ps) should be encoded using the element postscript.
2. Letters within other works
Complete letters which are embedded in other textual structures, which include elements such as closer, opener and postscript should be encoded using the floatingText element. See 241 for examples.
3. Letters as prefatory material, advertisements, etc.
For letters which are serving another structural purpose (such as prefaces or dedications), we will use <div type="[whatever the thing is. e.g. prefatory]">, and inside use the appropriate letter components: salute, p, closer, etc. without an enclosing <div type="letter">.