"Most of the major works of English literature are readily available today only in versions that are sadly inadequate. There are few reliable specialist editions; much worse, the majority of paperback texts of English and American authors that are sold in their millions to students and general readers are corrupt and misleading. This is as unnecessary as it is undesirable. By combining a critical judgement with an understanding of textual bibliography, an editor can establish a 'critical' text that is as authoritative as the evidence allows, and can present it in the form best suited to his intended audience. The examples given in this book show how this may be done." "Dr. Philip Gaskell presents extracts from the early texts of twelve works of literature, chosen because of their importance as works of art and on account of the quality of surviving textual evidence. He follows them through all the stages from writer to reader, giving the reader an insight into the subject which will help all those engaged in the study of literature."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved