The Providence of Wit is deeply concerned with how waxing and
waning eighteenth-century artistic, historical, and ontological
assumptions help illumine the form of major works by major authors
between about 1660 and 1760. Lucidly written, handsomely
illustrated, and critically compelling, The Providence of Wit
remains a brilliant exposition of the Christian Humanist point of
view. It also remains essential reading for students of the
REstoration and the eighteenth century.--Howard D. Weinbrot, Vilas
and Quintana Professor, University of Wisconsin, Madison
An erudite, imaginative exploration of intellectual patterns
governing early English fiction, The Providence fo Wit remains an
indisepnsable text for critics and scholars alike. Utterly
persuasive but never overinsistent, Martin Battestin amasses
evidence to illuminate the familiar and elucidate the unfamiliar.
He has permanently altered our understanding of the English
eighteenth century.--Patricia Meyer Spacks, Neil Gray, Jr.
Professor of English, Yale University
For almost the first time in Mr. Battestin's book religion has its
full innings in the reinterpretation of eighteenth-century
literature....Perhaps his greatest contribution is his recovery of
a number of divines and their writings and his employment of them
as an intellectual rather than a merely antiquarian source.--Paul
Fussell "Times Literary Supplement"
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