textual history

Textual history is the study of how a written work has changed and developed over time. It involves examining different versions, edits, and reproductions to understand the origins, transmission, and variations of the text. By comparing manuscripts and editions, scholars aim to identify original wording, track editorial choices, and understand the text's historical context. This process helps ensure that we accurately interpret and appreciate a work’s authentic form, revealing how texts evolve through copying, translation, and editing across generations.