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Emphasizes the English hymn as a literary entity within denominational and historical contexts. The author sets forth a number of definitions for hymnody and congregational song, and then examines the development of the various forms in England and the United States. With a listing of works for further reading, an index to all hymns discussed, and chronology. ...valuable both for the historical information it provides and for its appreciative evaluation of the religious treasures enshrined in English-language hymns. --ADRIS NEWSLETTER

A Scottish lost treasures collection of three classic Scottish travelogues, each offering a superbly descriptive narrative. Bundled by subject matter rather than author, the books create a compelling trilogy. "Palimpsest's eClassics series, Scottish Lost Treasures, shows us how much poorer Britain's cultural heritage would be without Scottish writers ... The best example I've seen of how curation and presentation can bring old books to new audiences" - The Observer "This strikes me as a fantastic venture, and one I hope will expand further" - Professor Willy Maley, University of Glasgow, Scotland on Sunday

Challenging the long-held view that Johnson's criticism of Shakespeare is of historical interest only, having been assimilated and superseded by later work, this study argues that Johnson's interpretaion of Shakespeare as "the poet of nature" is actually a radical and provocative proposition. Parker provides an illuminating series of contrasts of the leading Romantic critics--Coleridge, Schlegel, and Hazlitt--arguing that the dichotomies that emerge from their writings reflect tensions exhibited by or explored within the plays themselves. He relates Johnson's feeling for general nature to the characteristic scepticism of his thought, and concludes with a fresh discussion of Johnson's response to the "unnatural deeds" of Shakespearean tragedy. Parker also includes the central portion of the Preface to Shakespeare, as well as critically interesting notes, offering a fully developed anthology of Johnson's criticism and commentary on Shakespeare.

In the 'Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett', we find an anthology that binds together the lyricism and didactic fervor of four noteworthy 18th-century British poets. The volume, with its scholarly apparatus of memoirs, critical dissertations, and elucidatory notes, extends beyond the mere presentation of verse to offer a rigorous examination of the literary and socio-cultural contexts that shaped the poets' works. It underscores the variegated textures of the Augustan literary style, tracing subtle shifts from the neoclassical penchant for order to the emerging sensibilities that would herald Romanticism. Such a compilation not only showcases the artistic merit of each poet but also invites a thoughtful comparison of their distinct poetic voices. Samuel Johnson, one of the luminaries included, was not just a creator of verse but a formidable literary critic and lexicographer whose insights shaped the literary discourse of his time. His engagement with the works of fellow poets Parnell, Gray, and Smollett reflects his discerning eye for literary excellence and his recognition of the cultural significance of their contributions. Johnson's ambitious intellectual pursuits provide a robust framework for the selection and analysis of the pieces included, offering a rich tapestry that weaves together the moral, aesthetic, and intellectual preoccupations of an era that was on the cusp of great philosophical and artistic upheavals. This compilation emerges as an invaluable resource for both the seasoned scholar and the literary enthusiast. Readers interested in the evolution of English poetry will find in these pages a window into the minds of four masters who captured the ethos of their time in metered brilliance. The accompanying memoirs and critical essays not only bolster the appreciation of the poems themselves but also serve to educate the reader in the practice of critical reflection, ensuring that the 'Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett' is as instructional as it is enriching.