English Satire

Professor Sutherland's Clark Lectures begin with a definition of satire, distinguishing it from comedy and emphasising the special qualities of the satirical author's motives and his participation in and enjoyment of the use of his talent. He then discusses primitive and popular forms; and there follow four chapters in satire in verse, in prose, in the novel and in the theatre. Each is historical, ranging from the beginnings of modern English literature to Shaw and Orwell. Due consideration...