Copy Text. A Contribution to the Development of the Concept and its Consequences in the Theory and Practice of Editing

Discussed are definitions of a 'basic text' in editions of representative Anglo-American bibliographers: W. W. Greg, S. F. Bowers, I. P. Baender, G. Th. Tanselle & J. Thorpe. Major phases of basic text concept development are traced. It was the goal of all philologists under consideration to do justice to the author intent. The approach's usefulness in light of the uncertain text origin remains questionable. It is, however, imperative for the editor to document his results & distinguish between facts & hypotheses. E. Hodnett