Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1782)

"Cursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley" by Edmond Malone is a critical analysis written in the late 18th century. The work discusses the authenticity of poems that were claimed to be written by the 15th-century priest Thomas Rowley but were actually fabricated by the poet Thomas Chatterton. Through rigorous examination and argumentation, Malone aims to refute the claims supporting the poems' authenticity and challenges their scholarly defenders. The opening of the text sets the stage for the Rowley controversy, revealing the tension surrounding the debate about the poems' legitimacy. Malone outlines previous arguments made by Rowley supporters and acknowledges the growing significance of this literary dispute as it gained public attention during the late 18th century. He establishes the groundwork for his critique by stating that a competent judge of the poems must possess a critical understanding of English poetry. He then introduces his points of contention, including the smoothness of the verse and modern phrases present in the poems, presenting them as significant evidence against their claimed antiquity.