Collier, Jeremy

Jeremy (1650-1726), an English bishop. Collier was known in his own time as a bold political writer, but the work whose influence was greatest and has been most lasting was entitled A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage. This pamphlet was an attack upon the writings of Wycherley, Congreve, Dryden, and others. It was the first step in the purification, not only of the drama, but of all lighter literature. Written with both wit and force, it was widely read, and received the support of the moral and thoughtful, although it met, naturally enough, with opposition. Dryden himself gracefully acknowledged its justice.

I shall say less of Mr. Collier, because in many things he has taxed me justly; and I have pleaded guilty to all thoughts and expressions of mine which can be truly argued of obscenity, profaneness, or immorality, and retract them. If he be my enemy, let him triumph; if he be my friend, as I have given him no personal occasion to be otherwise, he will be glad of my repentance.-Dryden, Preface to Fables.