An English Garner: Critical Essays & Literary Fragments

This volume gathers a rich assortment of nineteenth‑century critical essays and literary fragments, originally assembled by Professor Arber and now reshaped with fresh introductions and modest modernisation of spelling. The material is organised by theme, allowing listeners to wander from linguistic curiosities to spirited debates on rhetoric, all while hearing the original voice of the period. New editorial notes guide you through the historical context without overwhelming the experience.

Among the highlights are a witty satire on over‑pretentious English, a concise biography of the little‑known scholar Francis Meres, and the celebrated “Essay of Dramatic Poesy” by John Dryden, complete with its surrounding prologues and defenses. These pieces reveal how early critics grappled with the balance between classical influence and native expression, offering a window into the literary arguments of their day. The language, though softened for modern ears, retains the cadence and flavor of its era.

For anyone fascinated by the evolution of English criticism, the collection provides an engaging, conversational journey through the ideas that shaped literary taste in the late‑1600s and beyond. It is both an educational companion and a pleasant listening experience for lovers of history, rhetoric, and the written word.