William Combe

William Combe
William Combe (1742–1823) was an English writer and satirist, best known for his comic verse and satirical works. He is most famous for writing "The Three Tours of Doctor Syntax," a humorous series illustrated by Thomas Rowlandson, which parodied the picturesque travel literature of the time. Combe was a prolific author and contributed to numerous periodicals, often under pseudonyms. Despite his success, he struggled financially throughout his life, spending time in debtors' prison.

Author's Books:


Too long have Britain’s sons with proud disdainSurvey’d the gay Patrician’s titled train,Their various merit scann’d with eye severe,Nor learn’d to know the peasant from the peer:At length the Gothic ignorance is o’er,And vulgar brows shall scowl on LORDS no more;Commons shall shrink at each ennobled nod,And ev’ry lordling shine a demigod:By CRAVEN taught, the humbler herd shall know,How... more...

CELEBRATED DUTCHESS. MADAM, I am rather apprehensive that you will rank me among the Impertinents of the Age, in giving a performance which treats professedly of the Triumphs of Folly, the Sanction of Your Grace. But tho', in the too great quickness of apprehension, this may be the case; I have not the least doubt but, in some succeeding moments of coolness and candour, you will accompany me... more...