Criticism, September 22nd, 1993
Thomas Gray opposed the practice of selling poetry through the book trade because he considered that it alienated poets from their intended audience. The publishing industry produced for the common people rather than the educated elite that had previously controlled access to poetry. However, this opposition worked against him because the public associated a failure to publish with a lack of masculine characteristics and so Gray was parodied as effeminate because of his opposition which damaged his poetic reputation.
In 1767, an anonymous pamphlet appeared entitled "The Sale of Authors, a Dia...
HighBeam Research, Free Preview: 'Gray, the marketplace, and the masculine poet. (Thomas Gray)'... Full Membership required for unlimited access. Free 7-day trial.
Subscribers: HighBeam content is only available to HighBeam subscribers. Click the link above for more information.
