A short view of the immorality and profaneness of the English stage : together with the sense of antiquity upon this argument.

London : S. Keble, 1698. Second edition. Octavo, contemporary English panelled calf, ruled in blind (rubbed and worn, rebacked with new spine lettered in gilt),preliminary blank, title leaf, pp. [iv – Preface]; [x – xiv – Contents, Errata, Books printed for R. Sare and H. Hindmarch, the last leaf loose]; 288, general foxing and toning, a good copy, complete.

A landmark work in the history of theatre criticism, Collier’s Short View is an attack on comedy on the stage during the Restoration period, which he sees as immoral and depraved : “nothing has gone farther in Debauching the Age than the Stage Poets, and Play-House” (the Preface). Collier’s pamphlet would start a ‘pamphlet war’ with other commentators defending the role of the theatre and its creative expression.

Provenance:

“Anthony Pasquin”, his signature to the title page, pseudonym of John Williams (1761–1818), English poet, theatre critic, satirist, journalist and miscellaneous writer.