Momus Triumphans: or, the Plagiaries of the English Stage (1688[1687])

Momus Triumphans: or, the Plagiaries of the English Stage (1688[1687])

If it be true, what Aristotle[40] that great Philosopher, and Father of Criticism, has own'd, that the Stage might instruct Mankind better than Philosophy it self. If Homer was thought by Horace[41] to exceed Crantor and Chrystippus in the Precepts of Morality; and if Sophocles and Euripides, obtained the title of Wise, for their Dramatich Writing, certainly it can be no discredit for any man to own himself a lover of that sort of Poetry, which has been stiled, The School of Vertue and good Manners? I know there have been many severe Cato's who have endeavoured all they could, to decry the use of the Stage; but those who please to consult the Writings of the Learned Dr. Gager, Albericus Gentiles, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir Richard Baker, Heywood, the Poet and Actor both in one; not to mention several others, as the famous Scaliger, Monsieur Hedelin, Rapin, &c. will find their Objections fully answered, and the Diversion of the Theatre sufficiently vindicated. I shall therefore without any Apology, publickly own, that my inclination to this kind of Poetry in particular, has lead me not onely to the view of most of our Modern Representations on the Stage, but also to the purchase of all the Plays I could meet with, in the English Tongue; and indeed I have been Master of above Nine Hundred and Fourscore English Plays and Masques, besides Drolls and Interludes; and having read most of them, I think am able to give some tollerable account of the greatest part of our Dramatick Writers, and their Productions. The general Use of Catalogues, and the esteem they are in at present, is so well known, that it were to waste Paper to expatiate on it: I shall therefore onely acquaint my Reader, that I designed this Catalogue for their use, who may have the same relish of the Dramma with my self; and may possibly be desirous, either to make a Collection, or at least have the curiosity to know in general, what [Pg xxii]has been Publish't in our Language, as likewise to receive some Remarks on the Writings of particular Men. The Reasons that induc'd me to the publishing this Catalogue, were these: First, That the former Catalogues were out of Print. Secondly, That they were all of them full of gro Errours. Thirdly, That they were not, as I thought, so Methodical as this which I have now made; wherein the Reader will find the Imperfections I observed in the former Catalogues, amended; all the Plays which have been Printed since 1680, to this present time, added; with several Remarks, which whether or no observed, I cannot tell, but never published by any Author till now. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 45793
Author: Langbaine, Gerard
Release Date: May 28, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English