William Wagstaffe
Parodies of Ballad Criticism (1711-1787)
A Comment Upon the History of Tom Thumb, 1711, by William
Wagstaffe; The Knave of Hearts, 1787, by George Canning
"Parodies of Ballad Criticism (1711-1787)" by William Wagstaffe and George Canning is a collection of satirical critiques written during the early 18th century. This work explores the realm of ballad poetry, specifically mocking the criticism that emerged around this genre in a period marked by a transition from classical to emerging Romantic aesthetics. The book serves as a commentary on the reception and valuation of ballads within the literary community of its time. The collection includes Wagstaffe’s "A Comment Upon the History of Tom Thumb" and Canning’s "The Knave of Hearts," offering a humorous take on serious literary criticisms. Wagstaffe’s piece humorously elevates the nursery tale of Tom Thumb, suggesting its merit as a great literary work, while lampooning the pretentiousness of contemporary literary criticism. Canning follows with a mock epic critique of "The Knave of Hearts," systematically adhering to epic conventions to humorously validate the simple ballad’s status as high art. Collectively, these pieces reveal the cultural tensions surrounding literary form, taste, and the ongoing dialogue between traditional ballads and more sophisticated poetry at the time.