Jeremy Collier

Ah, Jeremy Collier, a name that may not ring a bell for most, but for those in the world of theatre, he is a man whose influence still reverberates through the ages. Born on September 23, 1650, in the bustling city of London, Collier was destined for greatness, not as a performer, but as a critic.

While the theatrical world of the late 17th century was a lively and raucous place, Collier saw it as a den of vice and debauchery, filled with immorality and blasphemy. He saw the theatre as a place that corrupted the minds of the young and the old, promoting sin and indulgence.

It was in this environment that Collier wrote his most famous work, "A Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage," published in 1698. This scathing critique of the theatre earned him both praise and condemnation, with some calling him a hero for standing up against corruption and others labeling him a killjoy, ruining the fun for everyone.

But Collier was undaunted, and his words carried weight. He influenced the likes of John Dryden, who, in response to Collier's criticisms, wrote "The Conquest of Granada," a play that sought to address some of the concerns raised by Collier.

Collier's influence was not just limited to the theatre world. He was also a Nonjuring bishop, a member of a group of Anglicans who refused to take an oath of allegiance to William and Mary after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This put him at odds with the ruling powers of the time, but it also gave him a platform to preach his message of morality and virtue.

In many ways, Collier was a man ahead of his time, a voice crying out in the wilderness against the excesses of his age. He saw the danger of unchecked indulgence and sought to rein it in, to remind his fellow men and women of their better natures.

Today, his legacy lives on, a reminder of the power of words and the importance of standing up for what one believes in. His work serves as a testament to the enduring value of morality and the need to strive for a better world. For as Collier himself once wrote, "He who is virtuous is wise; and he who is wise is good; and he who is good is happy."

Life

Jeremy Collier, the English theatre critic, non-juror bishop and theologian, was born Jeremiah Collier in the quaint village of Stow cum Quy, Cambridgeshire. His early life was spent in the halls of academia, studying at the prestigious Caius College at the University of Cambridge. Collier excelled in his studies and was awarded both a BA in 1673 and an MA in 1676.

But Collier's life took a dramatic turn when he became a supporter of James II. When William III and Mary II ascended to the throne after the Glorious Revolution, Collier refused to take the oath of allegiance as a nonjuror. This decision had significant repercussions for him, as he faced persecution and disapproval from the ruling monarchs and their supporters.

Collier's loyalty to James II went beyond just his refusal to take the oath of allegiance. In an act of rebellion, he publicly absolved two Jacobites who had conspired to assassinate William III and Mary II. This action furthered his disapproval of the new monarchs and solidified his reputation as a controversial figure.

Despite facing opposition, Collier remained steadfast in his beliefs and was eventually consecrated a non-juror bishop in 1713 by George Hickes and two Scottish bishops, Archibald Campbell and James Gadderar. This event marked a significant moment in Collier's life, as he was able to pursue his passion for theology and serve his community as a religious leader.

In many ways, Collier's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. He was a man of strong convictions who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in, even in the face of adversity. Collier's life story is a reminder that sometimes it takes courage to go against the grain and pursue one's dreams, and that standing up for what is right is always the best path to take.

Works

Jeremy Collier was not only an accomplished scholar but also a man of strong opinions and convictions. His works reflect his fervent beliefs, both political and religious, and showcase his willingness to challenge the establishment.

As a nonjuring bishop, Collier wrote extensively about the legitimacy of the new monarchs after the Glorious Revolution, and he was a vocal critic of the deprival of the Non-juror bishops. His 'Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain' was a controversial work, as it included political and theological comments that were seen as biased by some. However, it remained widely used despite the controversy. Collier also wrote 'Reasons for restoring some prayers and directions' which was a catalyst for the usages debate.

Collier's essays were popular during his time but have now fallen out of favor with readers. Nevertheless, his contributions to literature are noteworthy, as he translated the meditations of Marcus Aurelius into English.

However, Collier's most famous work was his anti-theatrical polemic 'Short View of the Immorality and Profaneness of the English Stage'. In this work, Collier attacks the decadent plays of the Restoration era, specifically targeting the works of playwrights like William Congreve, John Vanbrugh, John Dryden, and Thomas D'Urfey. Collier saw the theatre as a venue that should be providing moral instruction, and therefore believed that the content of the plays should be morally uplifting rather than detrimental.

Collier's pamphlets caused a significant controversy, and playwrights responded with equally vehement attacks. However, Collier's arguments were so convincing that some playwrights withdrew from theatre permanently or changed their approach to writing comedies. Congreve was among those who substantially changed his writing style in response to Collier's criticisms.

In conclusion, Collier was a scholar with strong beliefs who was unafraid to voice his opinions. His works are a testament to his convictions, and his anti-theatrical polemic remains famous to this day. His contributions to literature and his impact on the theatre of his time are noteworthy, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated today.

Aftermath

Jeremy Collier's anti-theatrical attack had a profound impact on the theatre world of his time, and its effects were felt for decades after his death. Despite the initial resistance from Restoration playwrights, a new and more restrained theatre style began to develop in response to Collier's critiques. The strict moral codes of the Puritans and Collier's society led to the emergence of neoclassical drama, which emphasized restraint, order, and moral values.

Collier's influence was not limited to the theatre world, as Societies for the Reformation of Manners also dedicated themselves to maintaining honour in playhouses. These societies, along with Collier's works, helped to shift the public's opinion on theatre, leading to the development of a more respectable and moral form of entertainment.

Furthermore, Collier's writings sparked a pamphlet war that had lasting consequences. Playwrights who had been attacked by Collier responded with equally vehement attacks, but some were deeply affected and permanently withdrew from the theatre or substantially changed their approach to writing comedies.

Collier's legacy in the theatre world is still felt today. His critiques of the immorality and profanity of the English stage helped to pave the way for a more restrained and morally conscious theatre, which has influenced theatrical productions even in the modern era. His works also serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining moral values in the arts, and the power of individuals to effect change through their writings and beliefs.

Dictionary

Jeremy Collier, the English theatre critic and moralist, was not only known for his sharp-tongued critiques of the theatre, but also for his foray into the world of encyclopedias. In 1701, he published 'The great historical, geographical, genealogical and poetical dictionary', an early encyclopedia that aimed to cover a broad range of topics from history and geography to genealogy and poetry.

However, Collier was not the sole author of this work. He openly acknowledged that his text was heavily based on the eighth edition of Louis Moréri's 'Grand Dictionnaire Historique', which had been published in France. In fact, Collier's dictionary was essentially a translation and adaptation of Moréri's work for an English audience.

Despite the popularity of Moréri's work, Collier's version was not as successful as he had hoped. His additions were considered to be of lower quality than the source text, and the work came out during the same period as the 'Lexicon Technicum', a more popular encyclopedia of the time.

Nevertheless, Collier's dictionary remains an interesting artifact of the era, shedding light on the intellectual interests of Restoration England. It also reflects Collier's own curiosity and ambition, as he sought to create a comprehensive reference work that would cover a diverse range of topics.

In short, Collier's 'The great historical, geographical, genealogical and poetical dictionary' may not have been a resounding success, but it serves as a reminder of the variety and depth of knowledge that was valued during the early 18th century.

Death

Jeremy Collier, the English theatre critic, moralist, and writer, breathed his last on 26 April 1726. He was buried on 29 April in Old St Pancras Churchyard, where he found his final resting place. Unfortunately, the exact location of his grave is now lost, but his legacy lives on through his works.

While Collier's life was marked by controversy and criticism of the theatre, his death was a quiet affair, with little fanfare or attention paid to it. However, his impact on the theatre world and English society cannot be understated. Collier's scathing critiques of the immoral and bawdy nature of Restoration theatre led to a significant shift in the style of theatre that was produced in England. His influence on the neoclassical movement and the rise of moralist drama cannot be ignored.

Despite his impact, Collier's name is not listed on the Burdett-Coutts Memorial, which commemorates the important graves that were lost in the area. However, his legacy continues to inspire and challenge scholars and critics alike.

In the end, Collier's life and death serve as a reminder that one person can make a significant impact on the world, even if their name is not always recognized or remembered. His contributions to English literature and the theatre world have left an indelible mark, and his ideas continue to be discussed and debated to this day.