The works of Richard Hurd, volume 2 (of 8)

In this scholarly volume the author turns a careful eye to the ancient poet Horace, presenting the Latin epistles alongside a thorough English commentary that illuminates the subtleties of his style and moral reflections. Interwoven with the text are four extensive dissertations that investigate the nature of poetry itself—its aim as pure pleasure, the distinct realms of dramatic and lyrical forms, the mechanics of imitation, and the hallmarks that signal genuine poetic art.

The first essay argues that poetry exists primarily to delight the mind, tracing this idea from classical philosophers through to early modern thought. Subsequent sections explore how rhythm, vivid imagery, and inventive language serve that goal, while also mapping the boundaries between utility and imagination. Listeners will encounter a blend of historical insight and practical analysis, offering a thoughtful guide to the timeless questions that shape poetic creation.