Warton's Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope was one of the most influential critical works of the eighteenth century. Warton's sustained commentary on the most significant English poet of the century was read as both a promotion of Pope's literary genius, and an attack on it, and as such attracted strong opinion. At the same time its comparative critical method, drawing upon the important cultural and political events of the eighteenth century, provided a highly influential critical and creative model.
This three-volume set reprints Joseph Warton's An Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope (in two volumes), along with other responses to Pope (and Warton). The collection brings together significant documents both in the formation of eighteenth-century opinion of Pope and in the development of eighteenth century criticism. A new introduction by the editor, and an appendix discussing the revisions between editions of Warton's Essay will give the set extra value to the researcher.