Series One:
Essays on Wit


No. 4


[Corbyn Morris] An Essay towards Fixing the True Standards
of Wit, Humour, Raillery, Satire, and Ridicule (1744)


With an Introduction by

James L. Clifford

and

a Bibliographical Note




The Augustan Reprint Society
November, 1947
Price: $1.00

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GENERAL EDITORS

Richard C. Boys, University ofMichigan
Edward Niles Hooker, University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles
H. T. Swedenberg, Jr., Universityof California, Los Angeles


ADVISORY EDITORS

Emmett L. Avery, State College ofWashington
Louis I. Bredvold, University ofMichigan
Benjamin Boyce, University ofNebraska
Cleanth Brooks, YaleUniversity
James L. Clifford, ColumbiaUniversity
Arthur Friedman, University ofChicago
Samuel H. Monk, University ofMinnesota
James Sutherland, Queen MaryCollege, London

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INTRODUCTION

The Essay here reproduced was first advertised inthe London Daily Advertiser as "this day waspublished" on Thursday, 17 May 1744 (The same advertisement,except for the change of price from one shilling to two, appearedin this paper intermittently until 14 June). Although on thetitle-page the authorship is given as "By the Author of a Letterfrom a By-stander," there was no intention of anonymity, sincethe Dedication is boldly signed "Corbyn Morris, Inner Temple,Feb. 1, 1743 [44]."

Not much is known of the early life of Corbyn Morris. Born 14August 1710, he was the eldest son of Edmund Morris of Bishop'sCastle, Salop. (Alumni Cantabrigienses). On 17September 1727 he was admitted (pensioner) at Queen's College,Cambridge, as an exhibitioner from the famous CharterhouseSchool. Exactly when he left the university, or whether he took adegree, is not certain.

Morris first achieved some prominence, though anonymously, withA Letter from a By-stander to a Member of Parliament; whereinis examined what necessity there is for the maintenance of alarge regular land-force in this island. This pamphl

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