Printed by Nichols and Son, Red-Lion-Paffage, Fleet-Street, For H. Baldwin, J. Johnfon, G. G. and J. Robinson, P Elmfly, J. Nichols, R. Baldwin, H. L. Gardner, J. Sewell, F. and C. Rivington, W. Otridge and Son, W. J. and J. Richardfon, Leigh and Sothebys, R. Faulder, G. and W. Nicol, T. Payne, W. Lowndes, G. Wilkie, C. Davis, J. Matthews, T. Egerton, Ogilvie and Son, J. Scatcherd, J. Walker, E. Newbery, Vernor and Hood, J. Deigh ton, J. Nunn, Lackington Allen and Co. J. Stockdale, J. Cuthell, D. Walker, Clarke and Son, R. Lea, Longman and Rees, Cadell jun. and Davies, Murray and Highley, J. Barker, T. Hurst, S. Bagster, J. Harding, J. Hatchard, and R. H. Evans. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE EDITION OF 1783. THE Bookfellers having determined to publish a Body of English Poetry, I was perfuaded to promise them a Preface to the Works of each Author; an undertaking, as it was then prefented to my mind, not very extenfive or difficult. My purpose was only to have allotted to every Poet an Advertisement, like those which we find in the French Mifcellanies, containing a few dates and a general character; but I have been led beyond my intention, I hope, by the honeft defire of giving useful pleasure. In this minute kind of History, the fucceffion of facts is not easily discovered; and I am not without fufpicion that fome of Dryden's works are placed in wrong years. I have followed Langbaine, as the best authority for his plays; and, if I fhall hereafter obtain a more correct A 3 correct chronology, will publish it; but I do Dryden's Remarks on Rymer have been As this undertaking was occafional and un- foreseen, I must be fuppofed to have engaged in it with lefs provifion of materials than might have been accumulated by longer premedita- tion. Of the later writers at least I might, by attention and enquiry, have gleaned many particulars, which would have diversified and enlivened my Biography. Thefe omiffions, which it is now ufelefs to lament, have been often fupplied by the kindnefs of Mr. Steevens and others; and great affiftance has been given me by Mr. Spence's Collections, of which I |