the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

Click check box to select all entries on this page:

George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The

'The conversation now turned on critical subjects. Johnson. "Bayes, in 'The Rehearsal', is a mighty silly character. If it was intended to be like a particular man, it could only be diverting while that man was remembered. But I question whether it was meant for Dryden, as has been reported; for we know some of the passages said to be ridiculed were written since 'The Rehearsal'; at least a passage mentioned in the Preface is of a later date." I maintained that it had merit as a general satire on the self-importance of dramatick authours. But even in this light he held it very cheap.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell      Print: Book

George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The

'The conversation now turned on critical subjects. Johnson. "Bayes, in 'The Rehearsal', is a mighty silly character. If it was intended to be like a particular man, it could only be diverting while that man was remembered. But I question whether it was meant for Dryden, as has been reported; for we know some of the passages said to be ridiculed were written since 'The Rehearsal'; at least a passage mentioned in the Preface is of a later date." I maintained that it had merit as a general satire on the self-importance of dramatick authours. But even in this light he held it very cheap.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson      Print: Book

Click check box to select all entries on this page: