An Essay on Satire, Particularly on the Dunciad

"An Essay on Satire, Particularly on the Dunciad" by Walter Harte is a defense that champions satire's importance as a tool for social commentary and artistic expression. Crafted in the 1700s during a time of great artistic expression, the book explores what makes satire effective in reflecting on moral issues, pushing back against people who thought it wasn't a high-quality type of writing. Harte defends a writer against claims he was bringing down poetry, by explaining how satire can show bad behavior but also promote good behavior. He highlights satire’s history, arguing for its crucial role in both art and criticizing society. The book considers "The Dunciad" as a clever mix of serious and funny styles, arguing that it should be valued and appreciated in its own right.