| Author |
Blackmore, Richard, Sir, 1654-1729 |
| Author of introduction, etc. |
Boys, Richard C. (Richard Charles), 1912-1975 |
| Commentator |
Addison, Joseph, 1672-1719 |
| LoC No. |
48004102
|
| Title |
Essay upon Wit
|
| Original Publication |
Los Angeles : The Augustan Reprint Society, 1946
|
| Series Title |
Augustan Reprint Society, publication number 01
|
| Note |
Reading ease score: 27.4 (College graduate level). Very difficult to read.
|
| Note |
Date of origin 1716
Commentary by Addison from Freeholder, No. 45, 1716
|
| Credits |
E-text prepared by S. R. Ellison, David Starner, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
|
| Summary |
"Essay upon Wit" by Sir Richard Blackmore is a philosophical treatise written in the early 18th century during the Augustan period. This essay delves into the nature of wit, its implications for morality, and its role in society, reflecting the tensions of the time between intellectual pursuits and moral considerations. The book aims to explore how wit can be both a delightful ornament in conversation and a potential source of vice if misapplied. In this essay, Blackmore presents a detailed analysis of wit, defining it as a quality that enlivens thoughts and adds an enjoyable flair to otherwise mundane subjects. He discusses the dual nature of wit, acknowledging its capacity to bring joy and alacrity while also cautioning against its misuse, which can lead to immoral or irreverent behavior. Blackmore criticizes the tendency of some wits to ridicule serious subjects and advocates for a responsible application of wit that uplifts and instructs rather than demeans or corrupts. Through various examples, including the influence of comedies and societal norms, the author argues for a more conscientious use of this talent, emphasizing that true value lies not in mere amusement but in the moral upliftment of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
|
| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
|
| Subject |
Wit and humor
|
| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
13484 |
| Release Date |
Sep 17, 2004 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Dec 18, 2020 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
59 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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