Written in 1727, this satirical volume was one of Alexander Pope’s contributions to the literary output of the legendary Scriblerus club, a circle of writers dedicated to mocking what they perceived as a culture of mediocrity and false learning prevalent in the arts and sciences. Taking the form of an ironic guide to writing bad verse, Pope’s tongue-in-cheek essay is wickedly funny in its lampooning of various pompous poetasters, and is essential reading for any budding writer wishing to avoid sinking to the unintentionally ridiculous and to instead to reach for the sublime. Several lesser-known pieces by other members of the Scriblerus club are also included.