The World of Pope's Satires: An Introduction to the Epistles and Imitations of Horace

The World of Popes Satires is a 1968 book that explores how Pope's satires were not only expressions of his poetic personality but also responsive to the habits and attitudes of the 1730s. It examines his use of conversational technique and social ideal of the cultivated gentleman, as well as his respect for personal attributes and moral values. The final chapter shows that Pope's satires live because of the subtlety of his treatment of Augustan commonplaces and the passion and spirit of his writing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1968, "The World of Popes Satires" is a thought-provoking and engaging work that delves into the intricate relationship between Pope's satires and the prevailing customs and attitudes of the 1730s. The author explores Pope's utilization of contemporary conversational techniques, particularly the art of "raillery," as well as the closely interconnected social ideal of the cultivated gentleman. By examining Pope's admiration for certain personal qualities and moral values, such as hospitality, integrity, friendship, charity, and self-knowledge, the author examines how these values are expressed positively in his satires and simultaneously defined negatively by his opposition to courtly self-seeking, hypocrisy, contemporary manifestations of acquisitiveness, and the pride associated with neo-stoicism.

The final chapter of the book is expansive and demonstrates that, while Pope's responses to the pressures and uncertainties of the age may be representative and limited, his satires endure due to the subtlety of his treatment of Augustan commonplaces like Order and Balance and the fervor and spirit of his writing. This book will be of immense interest to students of English literature, offering a valuable insight into the literary world of the 18th century.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032195155