This book review warrants a reading because it reveals a
growing trend... revisionist republications.
Regardless of one's opinion of Stott or the book, the
reviewer does a great job exposing what these publishers (and editors) are up
to. It's dishonest and potentially harmful to both the legacy of the author and
the larger body of ideas they represent.
It generates chaos and confusion. People will think they're
echoing or advocating an author or position and yet in reality might hold to
something quite different. I've encountered it before but this example struck
me as extreme.
I suppose there's a growing case to be made for
self-publishing. In the past some theologians went that route because their
subject matter was too obscure. Others did so because in addition to obscurity
they thought it important to maintain editorial control. As more of this sort
of thing begins to happen, perhaps some other authors will go that route.
Of course, what happens after you die is seemingly beyond
your control. There are many ways in which your works can end up in the hands
of a publisher that wishes to commoditise them. In some cases, like Arthur Pink
for instance, his works have been revised, ironically in this case by Banner of
Truth and in other instances some of his older works that he later repudiated
are today being published once more. He wouldn't be happy about that, or the
price tag attached to them, but apparently someone else owns the rights.
Perhaps there should be something in the law, or at the very
least in contracts that stipulates no changes or revisions can be made without
the author's permission. And if he's dead, then the book does not change. If
modern sensibilities are deemed incompatible with the work, then don't publish
it. Those that want it can pursue it through other means. I've actually come to
appreciate outlets like 'Forgotten Books' that just re-print facsimiles.
I guess in the end, be careful what you buy and don't trust
publishers just because they purport to be Christian.
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