Eighteenth Century Criticism

Lionel Kelly has brought together a collection of the major statements by 18th century writers and critics.

The many kinds of writing featured, including parody, letters, essays and prefaces, reflect the variety of focus and approach of literary critics in this period.

From Alexander Pope to Frances Burney, we witness the heated debate between the "ancients" and the "moderns" and the gradual move away from neo-classicism towards pre-romanticism.