Synopses & Reviews
Though critical opinion on Alexander Pope has frequently been divided, he is now regarded as the most important poet of the early eighteenth century. An invalid from infancy, he devoted his energies towards literature and achieved remarkable success with his first published work at the age of twenty-one. A succession of brilliant poems followed, including
An Essay on Criticism (1711),
Windsor Forest (1715), and his masterpiece,
The Rape of the Lock. A second period of great poetry was begun in 1728 with the appearance of the first
Dunciad. All these works--which exhibit Pope's astonishing human insight, his wide sympathies, and powers of social observation (displayed to greatest effect in his talent for satire)--are included in this selection of his poetry. It has been compiled by the distinguished Pope scholar and editor Pat Rodgers, who also provides an indispensable introduction that offers a new interpretation of Pope's poetry, and the philosophical ideas behind it.
About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Review
"Good notes, especially on esoteric terms, concepts, [and] items endemic to the 18th century."--Mary Norton, Western Carolina University
"This is an excellent classroom text for a course in major 18th century poets. I would not hesitate to use it or recommend it to others."--Robert D. Spector, Long Island University
"An absorbing and erudite study."--John Marillo, North Carolina State University
"The cleanest text of all Pope anthologies combined with the most helpful notes make this the most accessible collection of Pope's poems available to students."--Jerome Donne, University of Central Florida
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chronology
An Essay on Criticism
Windsor Forest
The Rape of the Lock
Epistile to Miss Blount, on her Leaving the Town after the Coronation
Eloisa to Abelard
Elegy to the Memory of an Unfortunate Lady
Epitaph Intended for Sir Isaac Newton
An Epistle to Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington
An Epistle to Allen Lord Bathurst
The First Satire of the Second Book of Horace Imitated
Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot
An Epistle to a Lady
Epilogue to the Satires: Dialogue I
Epilogue to the Satires: Dialogue II
Epigram Engraved on the Collar of a Dog
The Dunciad
Notes
Further Reading
Index of Titles
Index of First Lines