I was looking at the Understanding the Bible commentary series. A lot of the writers are fine scholars and the publication date for the series shows as 2011-13. Sounds very up-to-date! Then as I browsed down, I was surprised to see F.F. Bruce listed as one of the authors (on Philippians). As one goes to look at the book details, one can see the publication date of the volume indicated as 2011. But as the author presentation itself makes it clear, F.F. Bruce passed away in 1990. In other words, it is repackaged. The commentary may still be very good, but one should not expect it to reflect the research that has taken place on Philippians in the last 15 years.
I guess the differences between publication date and date of writing is more obvious when one looks at classics. But when looking at recent publications, one may assume (incorrectly) that the material is fresh off the press based on a recent publication date when it may or it may not be. In the end, I am left wondering how recent/old the contributions of authors who are still alive are. Is this recently updated material or repackaged, not so-up-to-date stuff?
I am not going to buy the series anyway (though I thought about it) but am taking warning with regard to future purchases. Wondering too whether this is more on the exception or the common side and whether this is more likely to apply to series than to other kinds of resources...
I am not saying this to cast suspicion on this series or as any kind of comment on its value. I am not purchasing it because I cannot purchase everything and think I have enough similar resources already. It still looks like a good series.
