21st Century Editions: A Warning

https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2018/bowlderizing-john-stott/

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.