The Salon and English Letters: Chapters on the Interrelations of Literature and Society in the Age of Johnson

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the interplay between literature and social life during the 18th century, particularly in relation to English salons and their influence on authors and their works. It seeks to analyze how the salon culture provided an essential space for intellectual exchange, fostering the literary talents and social dynamics of the period. The opening of the work sets the stage by emphasizing the significance of manners in 18th-century literature and introduces the concept of salons as vital incubators for both literature and social discourse. Tinker discusses how these gatherings blurred the lines between literary production and social interaction, suggesting that the conversations held within salons greatly contributed to the evolution of literary forms and ideas. The author outlines his intention to investigate the origins and characteristics of salons and how they facilitated connections among writers, thinkers, and patrons during the Age of Johnson, providing a rich context for the literary developments of the time.