Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1782) By: Edmond Malone (1741-1812)
Edmond Malone's "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" (1782) is a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the famous medieval poems attributed to the fictional bard, Thomas Rowley. Malone's meticulous research and compelling arguments shed light on this literary enigma and challenge the prevailing belief in the Rowleyan manuscripts. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Malone's ability to dissect the poems themselves. He meticulously analyzes the language, style, and content, drawing comparisons with other medieval works, thus highlighting inconsistencies and anachronisms in Rowley's writing. His lucid explanations and logical reasoning instill confidence in the reader, steadily eroding the myth surrounding Thomas Rowley. Malone delves deep into the historical context, addressing the prevalent fascination with Gothic literature during the eighteenth century. He explores the rise of the historical novel and the Romantic movement, providing invaluable insights into the conditions that gave birth to the Rowleyan myth. This contextual analysis enhances our understanding of the social and cultural forces that influenced the acceptance and perpetuation of the forgeries. Moreover, Malone's meticulous investigation of the manuscripts' origins is truly commendable. He unveils the intricacies of the forgery by examining the ink, parchment, and handwriting, and presents compelling evidence pointing towards Chatterton, the alleged creator of the Rowleyan poems. Malone's dedication to details leaves no stone unturned as he carefully dissects the historical evidence, making this book an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the Rowleyan controversy. While "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" is undeniably a scholarly work, it remains accessible to a broader audience due to Malone's clear and engaging prose. He skillfully avoids excessive jargon, allowing readers unfamiliar with the topic to grasp the intricacies of the debate without feeling overwhelmed. Malone's persuasive writing style offers a compelling narrative that guides readers through complex theories and historical contexts. The only aspect that limits the book's appeal is its narrow focus on the Rowleyan controversy. Although Malone presents a convincing case against the authenticity of the poems, he occasionally overlooks broader discussions on the historical and literary significance of the forgeries. A more extensive exploration of the impact of the Rowleyan myth on literary scholarship and British literary history would have enriched the book further. In conclusion, Edmond Malone's "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" is an indispensable work for anyone interested in unraveling the mystery of the Rowleyan poems. Malone's meticulous research, clear arguments, and engaging prose make this book a significant contribution to the field of literary criticism. By carefully exposing the complexities surrounding the poetry attributed to Thomas Rowley, Malone invites readers to reconsider traditional beliefs and explore the transformative power of historical forgery. First Page: The Augustan Reprint Society EDMOND MALONE CURSORY OBSERVATIONS on the POEMS Attributed To THOMAS ROWLEY (1782) Introduction by JAMES M. KUIST Publication Number 123 William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California, Los Angeles 1966 GENERAL EDITORS George Robert Guffey, University of California, Los Angeles Earl Miner, University of California, Los Angeles Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles Robert Vosper, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library ADVISORY EDITORS Richard C. Boys, University of Michigan James L. Clifford, Columbia University Ralph Cohen, University of California, Los Angeles Vinton A. Dearing, University of California, Los Angeles Arthur Friedman, University of Chicago Louis A. Landa, Princeton University Samuel H. Monk, University of Minnesota Everett T. Moore, University of California, Los Angeles Lawrence Clark Powell, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library James Sutherland, University College, London H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., University of California, Los Angeles CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Edna C... Continue reading book >>

Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1782) By: Edmond Malone (1741-1812)

Edmond Malone's "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" (1782) is a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the controversy surrounding the authenticity of the famous medieval poems attributed to the fictional bard, Thomas Rowley. Malone's meticulous research and compelling arguments shed light on this literary enigma and challenge the prevailing belief in the Rowleyan manuscripts.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Malone's ability to dissect the poems themselves. He meticulously analyzes the language, style, and content, drawing comparisons with other medieval works, thus highlighting inconsistencies and anachronisms in Rowley's writing. His lucid explanations and logical reasoning instill confidence in the reader, steadily eroding the myth surrounding Thomas Rowley.

Malone delves deep into the historical context, addressing the prevalent fascination with Gothic literature during the eighteenth century. He explores the rise of the historical novel and the Romantic movement, providing invaluable insights into the conditions that gave birth to the Rowleyan myth. This contextual analysis enhances our understanding of the social and cultural forces that influenced the acceptance and perpetuation of the forgeries.

Moreover, Malone's meticulous investigation of the manuscripts' origins is truly commendable. He unveils the intricacies of the forgery by examining the ink, parchment, and handwriting, and presents compelling evidence pointing towards Chatterton, the alleged creator of the Rowleyan poems. Malone's dedication to details leaves no stone unturned as he carefully dissects the historical evidence, making this book an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the Rowleyan controversy.

While "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" is undeniably a scholarly work, it remains accessible to a broader audience due to Malone's clear and engaging prose. He skillfully avoids excessive jargon, allowing readers unfamiliar with the topic to grasp the intricacies of the debate without feeling overwhelmed. Malone's persuasive writing style offers a compelling narrative that guides readers through complex theories and historical contexts.

The only aspect that limits the book's appeal is its narrow focus on the Rowleyan controversy. Although Malone presents a convincing case against the authenticity of the poems, he occasionally overlooks broader discussions on the historical and literary significance of the forgeries. A more extensive exploration of the impact of the Rowleyan myth on literary scholarship and British literary history would have enriched the book further.

In conclusion, Edmond Malone's "Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" is an indispensable work for anyone interested in unraveling the mystery of the Rowleyan poems. Malone's meticulous research, clear arguments, and engaging prose make this book a significant contribution to the field of literary criticism. By carefully exposing the complexities surrounding the poetry attributed to Thomas Rowley, Malone invites readers to reconsider traditional beliefs and explore the transformative power of historical forgery.

First Page:

The Augustan Reprint Society

EDMOND MALONE

CURSORY OBSERVATIONS

on the POEMS

Attributed To THOMAS ROWLEY

(1782)

Introduction by JAMES M. KUIST

Publication Number 123 William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California, Los Angeles 1966

GENERAL EDITORS

George Robert Guffey, University of California, Los Angeles Earl Miner, University of California, Los Angeles Maximillian E. Novak, University of California, Los Angeles Robert Vosper, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library

ADVISORY EDITORS

Richard C. Boys, University of Michigan James L. Clifford, Columbia University Ralph Cohen, University of California, Los Angeles Vinton A. Dearing, University of California, Los Angeles Arthur Friedman, University of Chicago Louis A. Landa, Princeton University Samuel H. Monk, University of Minnesota Everett T. Moore, University of California, Los Angeles Lawrence Clark Powell, William Andrews Clark Memorial Library James Sutherland, University College, London H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., University of California, Los Angeles

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Edna C... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Edmond Malone
Wikipedia – Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1782)

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac