A Plain Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament (Vols. 1–2) is a foundational nineteenth-century guide to the textual history of the Greek New Testament. Scrivener surveys manuscripts, ancient versions, patristic citations, and the principles by which variant readings are weighed. Written in a lucid, pedagogical style rather than a polemical one, the work stands within the great Victorian age of biblical scholarship, when discoveries of uncial manuscripts and renewed attention to textual method reshaped New Testament studies. Frederick Henry Ambrose Scrivener was an Anglican clergyman and one of the foremost textual critics of his generation. His careful collation of manuscripts, involvement with the Revised Version, and deep reverence for the received ecclesiastical text all inform this work. Unlike more radical critics of his day, Scrivener combined rigorous documentary analysis with theological restraint, seeking to make technical scholarship accessible to clergy, students, and educated readers. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in biblical textual criticism, the history of the New Testament text, or the intellectual world of nineteenth-century theology. Though later discoveries have refined the field, Scrivener's clarity, precision, and breadth make these volumes indispensable for understanding how modern New Testament scholarship was formed.

This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Frederick Henry Ambrose Scrivener (1813-1891) was a New Testament textual critic and a member of the English New Testament Revision Committee which produced the Revised Version of the Bible. He was prebendary of Exeter, and vicar of Hendon.