A Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage

In 'A Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage,' Jeremy Collier provides a scathing critique of the immoral and profane content of English theater during the late 17th century. Written in a persuasive and eloquent style, Collier uses examples from contemporary plays to argue that the theater's portrayal of vice and immorality is detrimental to society's moral fabric. This book is considered a significant work in the history of theater criticism, as it sparked debates about the role of art in shaping societal values. Jeremy Collier, a clergyman and theater critic, was driven to write this book by his staunch belief in moral virtue and his condemnation of what he saw as the corrupting influence of the English stage. As a respected member of the clergy, Collier's criticisms carried weight and influenced the development of English theater in the following centuries. I highly recommend 'A Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage' to readers interested in the history of theater, morality, and cultural criticism. Collier's insightful analysis and passionate argumentation make this book a timeless contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of art and ethics.