Satires and Profanities

Description

Written by 18th century Scottish poet and playwright, James Thomson, Satires and Profanities is in fact a collection of very insightful essays and articles about particular topics, that were recompiled and published in 1884. Thomson approaches with great clarity, emphasis and understanding subjects that were deemed of a delicate nature in his time. These include religious concerns regarding the customs and habits of Christians and Muslims, as well as subjects such as royalty, spiritism, news and even deeper concepts such as atonement and personal immortality.

Mainly religious and spiritual in nature, the book contains Thomson’s own beliefs about anything from blasphemy to religious conversion and the role of monarchy and political power in religious contexts. Some of his writings are quite controversial for their time, and might even be regarded as such by the more fanatic religious devotees of our times.

Nevertheless, Thomson’s eloquence and ability to make a clear point are quite addictive. You’ll find yourself caught into his line of thought without feeling like his words are too slow, too complex or too simple. Their flow is easy, and the ideas they present are, in some ways, remarkably contemporary for their time.

Those who are used to Thomson’s skillful poetry and well-written plays will be surprised at first to find him in the role of a practical thinker and publicist. However, the author does an exceptionally good job melding stories with bitter satire and a thirst for making a strong point regarding controversial subjects such as the ones mentioned above.

It is clear from these writings that Thomson was not afraid to speak his mind, and you’ll find several of his essays deeply condemning practices, beliefs and traditions that have been – and some still are – held in high regard by certain cultures, despite their archaic and, according to Thomson himself, dated implications.
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