There are an hundred faults in this Thing, and an hundred things might be said to prove them beauties. But it is needless. A book may be amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single absurdity. The hero of this piece unites in himself the three greatest characters upon earth; he is a priest, an husbandman, and the father of a family. He is drawn as ready to teach, and ready to obey, as simple in affluence, and majestic in adversity. In this age of opulence and refinement whom can such a character please? Such as are fond of high life, will turn with disdain from the simplicity of his country fire-side. Such as mistake ribaldry for humour, will find no wit in his harmless conversation; and such as have been taught to deride religion, will laugh at one whose chief stores of comfort are drawn from futurity.
OLIVER GOLDSMITH.
Detailed contents
[Chapter I.]
The description of the family of Wakefield; in which a kindred likeness prevails as well of minds as of persons
[Chapter II.]
Family misfortunes. The loss of fortune only serves to increase the pride of the worthy
[Chapter III.]
A migration. The fortunate circumstances of our lives are generally found at last to be of our own procuring
[Chapter IV.]
A proof that even the humblest fortune may grant happiness, which depends not on circumstance, but constitution
[Chapter V.]
A new and great acquaintance introduced. What we place most hopes upon generally proves most fatal
[Chapter VI.]
The happiness of a country fire-side