A Satire Anthology

by Unknown

"A Satire Anthology" by Carolyn Wells is a collection of satirical poetry compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology features a variety of works by notable poets, including classical and contemporary satirists, exploring themes of human folly, societal norms, and political commentary through humor and irony. At the start of the anthology, the introduction discusses the nature of satire, its dependency on both the writer's intent and the reader's perspective, and the evolution of the genre through history. Wells emphasizes how classic satirists like Horace and Juvenal laid the groundwork for humor and political critique, arguing that modern satire has significantly changed while still retaining its core function of reflecting society’s absurdities. The opening lays the groundwork for the diverse and sharp wit found in the subsequent poems, setting the stage for a rich exploration of human nature and societal critique through humor.