The present state of wit (1711), and excerpts from The English Theophrastus;…

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About this eBook

Contributor Gay, John, 1685-1732
Author of introduction, etc. Bond, Donald Frederic, 1898-1987
Author of introduction, etc. Britton, W. Earl (Webster Earl), 1905-1995
Contributor Boyer, Abel, 1667-1729
LoC No. a49004138
Title The present state of wit (1711), and excerpts from The English Theophrastus; or, The manners of the age (1702)
Original Publication Los Angeles : The Augustan Reprint Society, 1947
Series Title Augustan Reprint Society, publication number 07
Note Reading ease score: 57.8 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Contents Introduction by Bond --
The Present State of wit, in a letter to a Friend in the Country, by Gay (1711) --
Introduction by Britton --
Excerpts from the English Theophrastus: or, the manners of the Age. Being the modern characters of the court, the town, and the city, ascribed to Boyer (1702).
Credits Produced by David Starner, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Summary "The Present State of Wit" by John Gay is a critical work written in the early 18th century, specifically during the period known as the Augustan age of English literature. This book is a satirical essay that examines the state of wit and humor circulating in London, particularly among the periodicals prevalent in coffeehouses at the time. It reflects on the interactions and criticisms among writers, highlighting the cultural and social dynamics of wit in the society of Gay's era. In the book, Gay presents his observations in a letter format to a friend in the countryside, providing a vivid overview of contemporary periodicals such as the "Tatler," "Spectator," and "Examiner." He discusses the contributions of key figures like Richard Steele and Joseph Addison, praising their impact on public discourse and the cultivation of wit. Gay critiques various writers and their styles, offering insights into the nature of humor, criticism, and social satire. Overall, the work serves as both a historical commentary on the literary landscape of early 18th-century England and a reflection on the enduring qualities of social critique through wit. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Conduct of life
Subject English literature -- 18th century -- History and criticism
Subject Characters and characteristics
Category Text
EBook-No. 14800
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 19, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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