Criticism

As ever, not that you asked, but...
I highly recommend a reading of Alexander Pope's An Essay On Criticism. In it Pope pokes at contemporary critics and writers (18th c.). The style is intriguing--it is in fact a verse-essay, with criticisms delivered in couplet (two-line rhyme) form. Does it not ring a bell? The Essay is full of thoughtful nuggets and what have since become common statements. A few of the following quotes (presented in no particular order) might be familiar...

'Tis with our Judgments as our Watches, none
Go just alike, yet each believes his own.

Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread

But where's the Man, who Counsel can bestow,
Still pleas'd to teach, and not proud to know?

Hope springs eternal in the human breast

But you who seek to give and merit Fame,
And justly bear a Critick's noble Name,
Be sure your self and your own Reach to know.
How far your Genius, Taste, and Learning go;
Launch not beyond your Depth, but be discreet,
And mark that Point where Sense and Dulness meet.

A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.

Pretty good stuff, huh? For cheaters in the crowd, here's a study guide.