The Lovers Assistant; Or, New Art of Love

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

31036

Title

The Lovers Assistant; Or, New Art of Love

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Henry Fielding's witty paraphrase of Ovid's *Ars Amatoria* offers a satirical guide to the 'Art of Love.' Blending Roman mythology with 18th-century English social customs, this work advises young gentlemen on selecting a mistress, winning her affections, and preserving mutual love. Through humorous footnotes and modernized scenarios, Fielding transforms ancient erotic poetry into a lively commentary on courtship, gender dynamics, and the perils of seduction.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Lovers Assistant; Or, New Art of Love*, Henry Fielding adopts the persona of a seasoned schoolmaster to guide the reader through the three essential stages of romance: selecting a proper mistress, winning her heart, and maintaining the relationship. Drawing upon Ovid's *Ars Amatoria*, Fielding asserts that love, like navigation or driving a chariot, requires strict rules, discipline, and art. He warns against approaching a lady on her birthday or during holidays, noting that such occasions inevitably demand presents or kisses in return. Fielding advises the suitor to begin with an epistle to break the ice, using flattery and promises to probe the lady's mind before making physical advances. He emphasizes maintaining a clean, masculine appearance, avoiding effeminacy, and managing one's finances carefully to avoid becoming a 'gamester' of the heart. The text is rich with classical allusions, including the tragic fates of Scylla and Medea and the madness of Bacchus, which Fielding recontextualizes for an English audience. He also addresses the crucial role of the mistress's keeper, suggesting that winning over her guardian is vital for success. Throughout the work, Fielding employs a facetious tone, utilizing footnotes to offer scholarly corrections alongside comic observations on human nature. By updating the setting from ancient Italy to contemporary England, he satirizes the manners of his own time while preserving the spirit of Ovid's original verses. The work stands as a unique fusion of classical literature and eighteenth-century social satire, offering enduring insights into the complexities of romantic pursuit. Fielding's preface defends the work against charges of impurity, arguing that the 'impure' aspects of Ovid's original are less dangerous in the more liberal society of England. He further clarifies that the advice given can be applied to those intending to marry, provided respect for female modesty is maintained. Ultimately, the text serves as both a humorous manual for seduction and a sharp critique of the social conventions governing courtship in mid-eighteenth-century Britain.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Romance
• Poetry