This note gives a short introduction to the reprint of the article "Numerical methods in electromagnetic scattering theory" by Kahnert, M (JQSRT 2003:79-80:775-824). Some of the most important developments in the field since the publication of this article are briefly reviewed. A list of typos that have been identified in the original article is given in the appendix. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.