Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity: A Critical Edition with Modern Spelling

This critical edition of Richard Hooker's "Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity" presents a modernized spelling of the original text, along with a thorough introduction and extensive notes. Hooker's influential work is an early example of Anglican theology, and in it he argues for a balance between reason and tradition in religious practice and authority.

The introduction provides important context for Hooker's work, detailing his life and times as well as the historical and religious factors that informed his writing. The author, Arthur Stephen McGrade, also discusses the editorial choices made in producing this critical edition, including the decisions about spelling and punctuation. McGrade notes that the text of "Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity" has undergone many modifications over the centuries; this edition seeks to present a version that is as close as possible to Hooker's original text.

In the main body of the book, Hooker's text is presented with modernized spelling, making it easier for contemporary readers to access. The work itself is divided into eight books, each of which addresses a different aspect of ecclesiastical law and practice. Hooker argues that reason and natural law are just as important as scripture when it comes to determining religious practice and authority. He also advocates for the importance of tradition, rejecting the idea that religious practice can be solely based on individual interpretations of scripture.

Throughout the edition, McGrade provides extensive notes to help readers understand the historical and religious context of Hooker's writing. These notes also clarify Hooker's arguments and provide further sources for readers who want to delve deeper into the subject matter. McGrade's notes are especially helpful when it comes to understanding Hooker's use of language, as many of the words he uses have different meanings today than they did in the 16th century.

Overall, this critical edition of "Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity" is an important resource for scholars of Anglican history and theology. McGrade's introduction and notes provide valuable context for Hooker's work, while the modernized spelling makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers. This edition is a testament to the enduring importance of Hooker's contributions to religious thought.