John Dennis the Critic

engraved by Samuel Ireland after William Hogarth
ca. 1734

Private collection.

“All that Dennis lacked was self-knowledge, good manners, and a sense of humour.”—Maynard Mack, Alexander Pope: A Life

A handwritten note below this image reads:

The son of a Sadler, born in London 1657. Educated at Harrow and Cambridge—took the degree of M.A., and devoted himself to a literary life. He endeavoured to make himself known as a poet, critic, & dramatic writer, and exerted himself with considerable assiduity, though with but little success. He was a severe critic, a turgid and heavy poet and his dramatic efforts were valued by none so highly as himself. This sour, morose, ill-natured man died in 1734 aged 77.