The History of Johnny Quæ Genus, the Little Foundling of the Late Doctor Syntax. / A Poem by the Author of the Three Tours.

Name: The History of Johnny Quæ Genus, the Little Foundling of the Late Doctor Syntax. / A Poem by the Author of the Three Tours.
Author: William Combe

By William Combe

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British Literature Poetry

About This Book

A comic narrative poem traces the fortunes of a foundling boy, Johnny Quæ Genus, who is reared by a kindly guardian and left to fend for himself after her death. He moves through London and the countryside in a series of episodic adventures and misadventures—entering domestic service, encountering rustic sports, quack doctors, moneylenders, gaming, and legal trickery—each scene satirizing manners and institutions. Humorous engraved plates punctuate the verse, and the tone mixes earthy simplicity with ironic observation, leading through setbacks and reversals to an eventual discovery about the boy's parentage.

About the Author

William Combe

William Combe was an English writer and poet, best known for his humorous and satirical works in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He gained popularity for his poem "The History of Johnny Quæ Genus, the Little Foundling of the Late Doctor Syntax," which is part of a series that parodies the poetic conventions of his time. Combe's writing often reflects a keen observation of society and a playful use of language, making him a notable figure in the realm of comic poetry. His other works, including "An Heroic Epistle to the Right Honourable the Lord Craven," showcase his wit and ability to engage with contemporary issues through satire.