Explore the fascinating world of 18th-century ballad criticism through these satirical lenses. "Parodies of Ballad Criticism (1711-1787)" presents two enduring examples of wit and commentary: William Wagstaffe's "A Comment Upon the History of Tom Thumb" (1711) and George Canning's, writing as Gregory Griffin, "The Knave of Hearts" (1787). This volume offers a glimpse into the literary landscape of England, where the popular ballad form was ripe for parody and intellectual engagement. Delve into the history and criticism surrounding English ballads, particularly as viewed through the humorous and insightful perspectives of Wagstaffe and Griffin. Their works provide a unique window into the era's literary tastes and the evolving understanding of popular verse. A treasure for scholars and enthusiasts of literary criticism and poetry, this meticulously prepared edition preserves these important historical texts.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.