Enlightenment

Alexander Pope: Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot

Composed in 1734 The Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot is addressed to his (then dying) friend John Arbuthnot, physician, and member (along with Pope, Swift and John Gay) of the Martinus Scriblerus Club , founded to satirise all abuses of learning (The Dunciad contains work attributed to Martinus Scriblerus). Here Pope indicts a shabby and corrupt society from which the pure artist remains withdrawn, one of his chief targets being the famous contemporary writer Joseph Addison.

Pope (Alexander), ‘Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot’ in Poetical Works, with his last correction, additions, and improvements ; together with the Commentaries of Mr. Warburton, vol. IV. 9 vols. 8vo. London, 1751
[R.18.4]
Former owner: David Hughes (1727-77)