3 - Textual Studies

Summary

The most significant contribution to the year’s work has been the publication of the New Variorum As You Like It by the Modern Language Association of America. The New Variorum series, initiated by Horace Howard Furness in 1871, continued by his son, transferred to the Modern Language Association, has been near moribund since the publication in 1955 of Richard II, edited by the late Matthew Black. But hope has not died, and under the patient perseverance of James G. McManaway, now General Editor Emeritus, and the able direction of Robert K. Turner, Jr, General Editor, the giant has risen to new energies. Commenting on the vigor of this ‘New New Variorum’ Richard Knowles, the Associate Editor of the series, and the editor of the As You Like It, has announced in a paper delivered before the Variorum Committee that Measure for Measure was sent to the printer in December 1977, that seven editions are nearly complete, and that fourteen others are in active preparation. Some of these editions, like the present volume, are intended to supersede earlier volumes (the Furness edition of As You Like It appeared in 1890); others will present plays not previously included and thus complete the original design.