A Guide To...Critical Editions

Somewhat outdated, but still a solid introduction to ancient manuscripts, including sections on manuscript transmission and errors (what types, and how they happen); an interactive diagram of a critical apparatus; a history of (and exercise in) textual criticism, featured on the 'Test Yourself!' page of this guide; a glossary of terms; and a table of Greek manuscripts.

Although not Classics-specific, this resource reviews important aspects of editing including the types of editions; reading variants; manuscript pages and paleography; and more.

This METRO exercise asks you to perform a series of evaluations of Middle English texts based on a list of variants and other information provided in the interface. We recommend reading the accompanying notes (linked above) first.

This syllabus, written for expert G. Thomas Tanselle's seminar on scholarly editing, is a wonderful and comprehensive resource for readings on different aspects of the history and practice of critical editing, and other related subjects.

This essay specifically attempts to discuss issues that have come up in producing the Mark Twain Project, a critical edition of Twain's complete works. Along the way it gives a solid overview of the process of scholarly editing, with some helpful real-life examples from the project.

Aimed primarily at the study of biblical textual criticism (Greek and Hebrew), this page provides an outline of information, links, images, and more designed to help students better understand different aspects of and concepts in textual criticism.

A subcommittee of the Modern Language Association which provides information on scholarly editing and editions; offers advice on and presents awards for scholarly editing; and works to promote the production and distribution of reliable, critical texts.

Developed as a "forum for exchanging ideas and setting standards" to promote accurate transcription, editing, and indexing of texts.

An international organization of scholars working with textual studies, editing, editorial theory, electronic textualities, and issues of textual cultures.