The word redux is derived from the Latin term reducere, which means bring back. This word is used after the noun it modifies, as in Rabbit Redux. In English, the term signifies that the noun it modifies has been revived, brought back, restored, or otherwise revisited. It is often implied that a work which is being revived has also been somehow changed, made more relevant, or given increased importance. This is often the case when artistic works are titled using the term.
Usage of this term was somewhat rarely evidenced before John Updike's Rabbit Redux came out in 1970. Before this book was published, the term was used in the titles of John Dryden's Astraea Redux in 1662 and Anthony Trollope's Phineas Redux in 1873. John Dryden's work is a poem in English, but the title itself is in Latin. This could be seen as the first popularization of the term in English. The term became relatively uncommon until John Updike's book revived its popularity.
Usage of this term was somewhat rarely evidenced before John Updike's Rabbit Redux came out in 1970. Before this book was published, the term was used in the titles of John Dryden's Astraea Redux in 1662 and Anthony Trollope's Phineas Redux in 1873. John Dryden's work is a poem in English, but the title itself is in Latin. This could be seen as the first popularization of the term in English. The term became relatively uncommon until John Updike's book revived its popularity.