The Revision Revised

The Revision Revised is John William Burgons vigorous and learned assault on the English Revised Version of the New Testament and on the Greek textual principles that undergirded it. Written in a polemical, densely annotated, and forensic style, the work combines theological argument, close philological scrutiny, and manuscript evidence. Situated within the late-nineteenth-century controversy over biblical revision, it challenges the authority accorded to Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus and defends the ecclesiastically received text as preserved in the Churchs continuous usage. Burgon, an Anglican clergyman, biblical scholar, and later Dean of Chichester, wrote from within a tradition that valued both patristic testimony and the devotional authority of the Authorized Version. His years at Oxford, his antiquarian habits, and his deep attachment to the liturgical and doctrinal life of the Church shaped his suspicion of what he regarded as speculative textual innovation. The book reflects not mere conservatism, but a learned conviction about providence, transmission, and ecclesial witness. This volume is recommended to readers interested in the history of New Testament textual criticism, Victorian theology, and debates over Bible translation. Even where modern scholarship may dissent, Burgons erudition, rhetorical force, and historical importance make the book indispensable for understanding the controversy surrounding the Revised Version.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.