"(I : Introduction : Old Problems and New Needs)

p. 13-14 : “The conclusions reached in part II are often widely at variance with commonly accepted theories about the printing of the First Folio (“FF”). If they are sound they will require radical changes both in our general notions about the reliability of the Folio text and in specific editorial practices. It is not to be expected—nor is it by any means desired—that these conclusions will be accepted on faith. The evidence and the techniques upon which their validity depends must therefore be fully explained—and in a manner that will be intelligible to non-specialists. It is hoped that the account of them that is given in Chapter 3 of part I will prove as interesting as it is necessary. But it would be idle to pretend that the matters discussed in this chapter will present no difficulties whatever to any careful reader; for from some complexity, at least, the evidence itself allows no escape."

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