Letters upon several Occasions: Written by and between Mr. Dryden, Mr. Wycherly, Mr. -------, Mr. Congreve, and Mr. Dennis. Published by Mr. Dennis. With a New Translation of Select Letters of Monsieur Voiture

Book Description

London: Printed for Sam. Briscoe, 1696. [xvi], 128, [16], 129-190, [2]pp., sm. 8vo. With the terminal leaf of errata/advertisements; occasional minor soiling, early ownership inscription “A. Lamont” on title and another “Mr. John Campbell” on flyleaves. An excellent copy, entirely unsophisticated in contemporary blind-ruled dark calf, unlettered; headcap very slightly chipped. First edition of one of the more important and less common Augustan epistolary miscellanies, including a particularly fine sequence, presumably by Dennis, called "Letters of Love." The exchange of letters between Dennis and John Dryden first appearing here was several times reprinted, and highly regarded by subsequent generations, notably excepting Alexander Pope for whom Dennis became an exemplary Dunce. Pope's later opinions notwithstanding, Dennis's views on letter-writing are well expounded, and his solicitation of letters from the eminent wits of his age appears to to have been kindly received. Congreve was especially effusive, with some fine and detailed remarks "concerning humour in comedy." Wing D1033; Macdonald, Dryden, 285.

Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.