Observations on the History of Middle English Editing.

K-D edition of the B text is discussed in the context of the editions of Chaucer by Tyrwhitt, more concerned with the interpretation of MS. evidence than with its presentation, and by Skeat, where editorial method is “further subordinated to the manifestations of editorial genius.” K-D’s reliance on conjectural emendation and their abandonment of recension emphasize editorial genius in determining authorial intention, even to the extent of establishing readings unsupported by any authority. Their edition is, however, distinguished by a fullness of editorial apparatus, accuracy, and an extensive, candid discussion of editorial intervention.