|
''An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously Tormenting'' was a conduct book written by Jane Collier and published in 1753. The ''Essay'' was Collier's first work, and operates as a satirical advice book on how to nag. It was modelled after Jonathan Swift's satirical essays, and is intended to "teach" a reader the various methods for "teasing and mortifying" one's acquaintances. It is divided into two sections that are organised for "advice" to specific groups, and it is followed by "General Rules" for all people to follow. Although the work was written by Jane Collier, there are speculations as to who may have helped contribute to the content and style of the work, ranging from friends to fellow writers such as Sarah Fielding, Samuel Richardson and James Harris. There was only one edition printed during Collier's life, but there were many subsequent revisions and republications of the work. ==Background== In 1748, Collier was living with her brother Arthur in London. The conditions were not suitable, and she became the governess for Samuel Richardson's daughter, Patty, by 1750.〔Rizzo (1994), p. 45.〕 Richardson was impressed by her understanding of Latin and Greek along with her ability to perform her domestic duties.〔 During this time, Collier was living with Sarah Fielding, and Richardson would spend time discussing writing with them.〔Sabor (2004), p. 151.〕 It was under Richardson's employment that she wrote ''An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously Tormenting''.〔 It has been suggested that Richardson helped Collier write the work, but Richardson's lack of satirical skill has dispelled such ideas.〔Rizzo (1994), p. 46.〕 Instead, it was probably James Harris and Fielding who helped craft the satire, and all three probably helped to edit the work.〔Battestin & Battestin (1989), pp. 392, 665.〕 However, most of Collier's help came from Fielding, who was a close friend and shared many of her earlier works with Collier.〔 The first edition was printed by Richardson for Andrew Millar in 1753.〔Collier (2006), p. xxxix.〕 A second edition of the ''Essay'' was published by Millar in 1757, two years after Collier's death, but with revisions made by her shortly after its first printing.〔 Subsequently editions and revisions were published in 1795, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1808, 1809 and 1811.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「An Essay on the Art of Ingeniously Tormenting」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|