ENG 202: Writing and Research in English

Briefly, a scholarly or critical edition is one that takes into account (1) various editions of the work that have appeared over the years and (2) any existing manuscripts of the text.  Usually such an edition will have a named editor or editors as well as title and author.

Literary Quest Assignment Sheet,
Dr. Kumbier, Spring 2012

Example:  "Jane Austen" and "critical edition*"

The Ignatius Critical Editions represent a tradition-oriented alternative to popular textbook series such as the Norton Critical Editions or Oxford World Classics, and are designed to concentrate on traditional readings of the Classics of world literature.

"About the Ignatius Critical Editions - Great literature with tradition-oriented criticism - Series editor Joseph Pearce - from Ignatius Press "Web. 2/1/2012 <http://www.ignatius.com/promotions/ignatiuscriticaleditions/about.htm>.

Norton Critical Editions are the choice of excellence. The editorial and production value of these classic texts has been setting the standard since the series began in 1961. Each volume includes the most authoritative version of the text available, together with detailed explanatory annotations, contextual and critical materials judiciously chosen to encourage in-depth study and discussion, and a selected bibliography for further reading. Additional supporting materials- illustrations, maps, glossaries, and chronologies, among others- accompany many texts in the series. Each volume is printed on acid-free paper in one of two trim sizes with wide margins for easy note-taking. Every Norton Critical Edition remains in print.

"Norton Critical Editions "Web. 2/1/2012 <http://www.facebook.com/nortoncriticaleditions?sk=info>

Do a keyword search combining your title with one of the know publishers of critical editions such as Norton or Oxford

EXAMPLE: wuthering heights and norton