Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 2

"Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 2" by Thomas Babington Macaulay is a compilation of essays and critical analyses from the beginning of the 1800s. It contains his work for "The Edinburgh Review," where he explores important writers like John Dryden and other historical and philosophical subjects. His articulate style and insightful analysis provide a window into the literary and social environment of his time. Macaulay starts by sharing his ideas on the poet John Dryden, highlighting his importance in the development of English poetry and how it connects to changes in society. He claims that cultural environments, more than individual talent, influence artists and literary transformations. The beginning discusses the relationship between creativity and critique in literature, and how poetry is shaped by the preferences and values of the time. Macaulay challenges readers to think about artistic brilliance and the historical influences that shape and support it.