Readers may be interested in a bound collection of seven short books of late-seventeenth-century satirical verse from wits like the Earl of Rochester, Andrew Marvell, and John Dryden (see detailed list below). These books invite reader response not only through their provocative text but by literally leaving space for the readers to fill in the blanks. Hence, throughout the Folger volume a contemporary reader fills in the spaces left by the printers, cleverly identifying topical references and supplying the bits too salacious for the press.
The volume consists of the following books:
A collection of poems on affairs of state ; viz. Advice to a painter. Hodge’s vision. Britain and Raleigh. Statue at Stocks-M- Young statesman. To the K- Nostradamus prophecy. Sir Edmondbury Godfrey’s ghost. On the King’s voyage to Chattam. Poems on Oliver, by Mr. Driden, Mr. Sprat, and Mr. Waller. By A- M-l Esq; and other eminent wits. Most whereof never before printed. London: [s.n.], printed in the year, MDCLXXXIX. [1689]. Shelfmark: Wing C5176 Copy 2.
The second part of the collection of poems on affairs of state , viz. A dialogue between two horses. ... The answer to the D- of M-s letter. By A- M-l and other eminent wits. None whereof ever before printed. London: [s.n.], printed in the year, 1689. Shelfmark: Wing S2302 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
The third part of the collection of poems on affairs of state . Containing, Esquire Marvel’s Further instructions to a painter. And the late Lord Rochester’s Farewel. London : [s.n.], printed in the year M DC LXXXIX. [1689]. Shelfmark: Wing T913 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
A collection of the newest and most ingenious poems, songs, catches, &c. against popery . Relating to the times. Several of which never before printed. London: [s.n.], printed in the year, MDCLXXXIX. [1689]. Shelfmark: Wing C5205 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
A second collection of the newest and most ingenious poems, satyrs, songs, &c. against popery and tyranny , relating to the times. Most of which never before printed. London: [s.n.], printed in the year MDCLXXXIX. [1689]. Shelfmark: Wing S2266 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
A third collection of the newest and most ingenious poems, satyrs, songs, &c. against popery and tyranny , relating to the times. Most of which never before printed. London: [s.n.], printed in the year MDCLXXXIX. [1689]. Shelfmark: Wing T902 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
The fourth (and last) collection of poems, satyrs, songs, &c . Containing, I. A panegyrick on O. Cromwell, and his victories: By E. Waller, Esquire. II. Oceana & Britannia. III. An essay upon the E. of Shaftsbury’s death. IV. A satyr in answer to a friend. V. An historica poem. VI. The rabble. VII. The fourth satyr of Boileau, to Mr. W.R. Jan. 1687. VIII. A letany for the fifth of November, 1684. IX. A short letany: to the tune of Cook-Laurel. X. An essay upon satyr. By Mr. J. Dr----den. XI. The city-ballad. 1682. Most of which never before published. London : [s.n.], printed anno Dom. 1689. Shelfmark: Wing F1684 Copy 2 Bd.w. C5176 Copy 2.
