The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay's Fables; and Somerville's Chase / With Memoirs and Critical Dissertations, by the Rev. George Gilfillan

This volume gathers poems by Joseph Addison, a series of animal fables by John Gay, and a long chase-poem by William Somerville, accompanied by memoirs and critical dissertations by George Gilfillan. Addison's contributions range from occasional pieces, odes, translations of Latin classics, and dramatic prologues and epilogues that blend neoclassical forms with moral reflection. Gay's fables present brief allegorical tales using animals to illustrate human follies and social lessons. Somerville's chase offers an extended descriptive narrative of a hunt. The editorial apparatus provides biographical sketching and critical commentary situating the pieces within stylistic and thematic traditions.