Pamphlet Attacks on Alexander Pope 1711-1744 : A Descriptive Bibliography

Methuen & Co. Ltd, London, first edition, 1969. Cloth, 8vo,. lxxi, 360 pp, 2 plates. 160 entries The title understates the contents as this work does not confine itself to pamphlets : the author explains in the preface that for accuracy the title should be "Attacks on Pope published between 1711 and 1744 mostly in pamphlet form but sometimes as broadsides, as books, or as parts of books, excluding all but several newspaper attacks". For each item, there is brief bibliographical description including a full transcription of the title-page, a complete summary of each pamphlet or other work, an account of the exact charges made, a list of Pope's works which are being attacked and generous quotations from the attack itself. From the blurb: "The attacks published against Alexander Pope in his lifetime played an important part in his poetical career and influenced him both as man and poet. A careful study of these attacks is essential to a full understanding of his major satires. Published information about the contents of the pamphlets is very scanty and they exist in so few, widely scattered copies that very few students of Pope could ever manage to see them all. This book provides the first full guide to the pamphlet attacks on Pope during his lifetime. Unlike the earlier brief lists it brings together only the voluminous commentary hostile to Pope. In addition to a brief bibliographical description of each item, there is a complete summary of each pamphlet, an account of the exact changes made, a list of Pope's works which are being attacked and generous quotations from the pamphlet itself. This comprehensive list of Popiana will quickly establish itself as an authoritative and essential work of reference and an indispensable guide to a full understanding of The Dunciad. Fine in a dustwrapper which is Very Good save for a short closed tear at the head of the front panel.