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 an anthology presenting poems and fables from the 1700's, showcasing the literary talents of Joseph Addison, John Gay, and William Somerville. The collection includes various poetic styles reflecting themes of nature, courage, and what it means to be human. Beginning with an organized table of contents, the book explores Addison's poems, which include acknowledgments to other poets, patriotic-themed verses, and translations of classical works. Furthermore, the collection introduces the lives of these significant poets, displaying Addison's impact on literature and the deep meanings found in his poetry. The style of the first poems reveals how much Addison respects classical influences but also expresses the key parts of the society he lived in, mixing personal thoughts with wide-ranging cultural observations.