An extensive collection of extracts bearing on comedy and related subjects, from many authors but especially from Artistotle, Horace, Jonson, Dryden, Marmontel, Fontenelle, Richard Hurd, Corbyn Morris, and Voltaire. The extracts are gathered under such headings as Comedy, Humour, Wit, Farce, Ridicule, Raillery, and Causes of Laughter. The object of the collection appears to be the formulation of definitions and critical principles. Shakespeare figures prominently.
Note
The hand is Murphy's throughout. The dates given above are inferred only from those of works cited.
