Joseph Addison & William Somerville 
The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay’s Fables; and Somerville’s Chase 
With Memoirs and Critical Dissertations, by the Rev. George Gilfillan

In ‘The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay’s Fables; and Somerville’s Chase, ‘ readers are presented with a rich tapestry of 18th-century English literature, encapsulating the nuanced flavors of neoclassical poetry, moral fables, and pastoral verse. This anthology seamlessly stitches together the distinctive literary styles of Joseph Addison’s refined poetics, John Gay’s satirical and didactic fables, and William Somerville’s vivid depictions of the hunt, offering a panoramic view of the era’s literary landscape. The diversity within this collection not only showcases the individual genius of each poet but also underscores the collective significance of their works in molding the contours of early modern English literary tradition. The contributing authors, each a luminary in their own right, bring forth a convergence of cultural, historical, and literary movements that epitomize the spirit of their time. Addison, with his polished essays and poetry, contributed significantly to the cultivation of a discerning public taste. Gay, through his fables, scrutinized societal mores with a critical eye, while Somerville elevated the pastoral to new heights with his vivid portrayals of the hunt. Together, their works provide a multifaceted perspective on the thematic and stylistic preoccupations of the 18th century, offering insights into the era’s moral and aesthetic values. This anthology represents an invaluable opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of 18th-century English literature. By bringing together the works of Addison, Gay, and Somerville, it opens up a dialogic space where the interplay of different literary forms and themes invites a deeper understanding and appreciation of this pivotal era. Readers seeking to explore the breadth of neoclassical and early modern literature will find in this collection an educational treasure trove, replete with the wisdom, wit, and lyrical beauty of three of the period’s most influential voices.