text (ideal)

The term ideal text is frequently used among editors in two different senses, each a concern of this book. Ideal, contrasted to real or actual, is a term applicable to the notion that documents can misrepresent works. Thus, the work is “ideal,” while documents are “real” (i.e., physical). […] The term ideal also suggests a text that is ideal for some purpose–that is, a best text, in contrast to a corrupt or incomplete or damaged text. This use of the term can be applied to documents or to potential texts according to the orientation of the speaker.

Contributed by Caroline. View changelog.