Editing Intention in the Manuscript Poetry of Robert Herrick

This essay describes the editing of Robert Herrick’s manuscript poetry and evaluates what the evidence can tell us about the evolution of Herrick’s literary style, modes of publication in manuscript, and the shaping of his literary reputation in that medium. Arguing that the distinguishing quality of manuscript publication is collaboration, the essay proposes using the principle of agency rather than authority when conceptualizing new editions of manuscript poetry.