The Works of the Right Honourable John, Earl of Rochester

A lively anthology of 17th‑century verse, this collection gathers the Earl of Rochester’s sharp‑tongued satires, bawdy songs, daring translations, and occasional poems into a single listening experience. The opening piece launches with a scathing critique of humanity’s self‑importance, lampooning reason, wit, and the restless pursuit of pleasure. Rochester’s verse crackles with wit and irony, exposing the pretensions of scholars, the fickleness of fashion, and the hollow triumphs of vanity.

Beyond the opening tirade, listeners will find a range of pieces that swing from rib‑tickling humor to incisive social commentary, all delivered in the poet’s unmistakably bold voice. The work captures the restless energy of a mind that both revels in and despises the very faculties it wields, making it a fascinating glimpse into the restless spirit of the Restoration era. Whether you’re drawn to its lyrical daring or its pointed observations, the collection offers a spirited journey through a world where wit and folly walk hand in hand.