The Dunciad, Variorum: With The Prolegomena Of Scriblerus (1729)

The Dunciad, Variorum: With The Prolegomena Of Scriblerus is a satirical poem written by Alexander Pope and first published in 1728. The poem is a mock-epic, in which Pope uses the form of an epic poem to satirize the literary and intellectual culture of his time. The central figure of the poem is the goddess Dulness, who presides over a world of ignorance and mediocrity. The poem is divided into three books, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the culture that Pope is satirizing.The first book of The Dunciad focuses on the world of literature, and in particular on the writers and publishers who are responsible for producing the mediocre and derivative works that Pope despises. The second book focuses on the world of politics, and in particular on the politicians and bureaucrats who are responsible for the corruption and incompetence that Pope sees all around him. The third book focuses on the world of science and learning, and in particular on the scholars and intellectuals who are responsible for the pretentious and obscure language that Pope sees as a barrier to true understanding.The Variorum edition of The Dunciad includes extensive notes and commentary by various scholars, as well as a preface by Pope himself. The Prolegomena of Scriblerus is a series of essays and parodies written by Pope and his friends, which serve as a kind of introduction to the poem. Together, these works provide a comprehensive and scathing critique of the literary and intellectual culture of the early 18th century.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.