The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay's Fables; and Somerville's Chase With Memoirs and Critical Dissertations, by the Rev. George Gilfillan

"The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay's Fables; and Somerville's Chase" by Joseph Addison et al. is a collection of poetry and fables published in the mid-19th century. This anthology features the works of notable poets such as Joseph Addison and John Gay, as well as William Somerville, reflecting the poetic styles and themes of the early 18th century. The book encompasses a variety of poetic forms, including odes, songs, and translations, which explore themes of nature, heroism, and the human experience. The opening portion of the work begins with a detailed table of contents outlining the various contributions from Addison, Gay, and Somerville. It highlights Addison's diverse poems, including tributes to contemporary poets, patriotic verses, and translations from classical sources. The segment also introduces the lives of the poets, emphasizing Addison's literary influence and the profound themes woven throughout his poetry. The style of the initial poems displays Addison's admiration for classical tradition while also capturing the essence of his contemporary society, revealing a blend of personal reflection and broader cultural commentary. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Joseph Addison was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. He was the eldest son of Lancelot Addison. His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richard Steele, with whom he founded The Spectator magazine. His simple prose style marked the end of the mannerisms and conventional classical images of the 17th century.