Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch

Name: Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch
Author: James Boswell

By James Boswell

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Essays, Letters & Speeches Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A trio of acquaintances attend a newly staged tragedy they expect to be poor and resolve to compose a satirical critique. Their pamphlet assembles personal attacks on the playwright's reputation alongside a concise synopsis of the drama's plot and theatrical failings, recounting romantic entanglements, confinement, a pardon, and a poisoning. It narrates the hurried composition and publication, records contemporary reviews and public reaction, and considers motives for hostility, including perceptions of the author's character and social ambitions. The piece blends comic invective with theatrical analysis to mount a brisk polemic about taste, authorship, and theatrical politics.

About the Author

James Boswell

James Boswell (1740-1795) was a Scottish biographer and diarist, best known for his detailed account of the life of Samuel Johnson, one of the most significant figures in English literature. His seminal work, "The Life of Johnson," is celebrated for its rich narrative style and insight into Johnson's character, as well as for its broader reflections on 18th-century society. Boswell's writings often blend personal anecdotes with literary criticism, showcasing his talent for capturing the essence of his subjects. In addition to his biography of Johnson, he authored several other works, including "Boswelliana," a collection of his thoughts and observations, and "Anecdotes of the Learned Pig." His contributions have left a lasting impact on the genre of biography.