Catholic Church, Dogmatic Theology 

Why a new edition of the documents of Vatican II? For eighteen years I have been involved in the translation and publication of official Church documents, including Vatican II and its aftermath. I have long felt that there is need for a convenient and inexpensive book which would contain not only the sixteen Council documents, but also as many as possible of the relevant subsequent official documents, especially those which are positive in their implementation or application of the original sixteen documents.

in addition to a newer, more accurate translation of the original sixteen documents, I have tried to include all documents of general interest which form part of the post-conciliar process and which generally speaking are not readily accessible. The selection of documents was made to meet the needs of the average priest, religious or lay person who might find themselves asking: "Where can I get those documents on mixed marriages?", or "Wasn't there something in the last year or so about sub-deacons?", or "Isn't the index abolished - or is it?" Austin Flannery, OP.

Taken from the back cover.