Item 60: Book by Unknown, [ca. twentieth century], with Engraving of John Wilkes by [James] Hopwood, 1805 October 1, and Handwritten Resolution of the House Against John Wilkes’ Essay on Woman, [1769 February]
Item — Box: 6, Folder: 60
Dates
- Created: [1769 February]
Creator
- Hopwood, James, ca. 1745/54-1819 (Person)
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Book/Engraving/Note
Condition Note:
Good.
Measurements:
9 ½ in. x 7 in. (closed); 14 in. by 9 ½ in. (open)
Description:
The following item is a book created by an unknown creator at an unknown time. The book includes a note of resolution by Parliament and an engraving of John Wilkes. The note captures a resolution by Parliament against the work Essay on Woman by John Wilkes for its most atrocious Blasphemies." In the satirical work, Wilkes parodies Alexander Pope’s Essay on Man, whose original body attempted to explain the differences between men and women. Wilkes’ recreation was considered lewd and pornographic at the time of its publication and would be the reason for his later removal from Parliament. “At the start of the parliamentary session in November 1763, the essay was read by Sandwich to the House of Lords, who voted it a libel and a breach of privilege. At the same time the Commons, on a government motion, declared “No. 45” a seditious libel. During the Christmas vacation Wilkes, recovering from a wound sustained in a duel provoked by exchanges in the House, stole off to Paris to visit his daughter and decided not to return to face prosecution” (Britannica).
In the engraving by James Hopwood, Wilkes is captured in a bust-length, oval portrait. He is directed and looking to the left side of the frame, and wears an open coat over waistcoat and neckerchief, and wig. The images appear to be a mild caricature, with an emphasis on the features of his face including crossed eyes and an underbite, but are softened compared with other items in the collection. The item was published by Vernor & Hood.
The date for the note has been estimated as February of 1769, due to connection with Wilkes’ removal from Parliament for the same decision.
Transcription:
Resolv[e]’d
That a printed paper entitled an Essay
upon woman, with the notes, & another paper
entitled beni Creator paraphas’d (sic) [paraphrased] highly reflecting
upon a member of this House, is a manifest
breach of the Priviledges (sic) [privileges] thereof, & is a most
scandalous, obscene & impious libell, a gross
profanation of many parts of the holy scriptures
& a most wicked & blasphemous attempt to
ridicule & vilify the person of our blessed saviour.
Creator
- Hopwood, James, ca. 1745/54-1819 (Person)
- Vernor and Hood (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu