Author: [MADAN (Martin)]:
Title: Thelyphthora; or, A Treatise on Female Ruin, in its Causes, Effects, Consequences, Prevention, and Remedy; considered on the Basis of the Divine Law: under the following Heads, viz. Marriage, Whoredom and Fornication, Adultery, Polygamy, Divorce. With many other Incidental Matters; particularly including, An Examination of the Principles and Tendency of Stat. 26. Geo. II. c. 33. Commonly called The Marriage Act. In Two [Three] Volumes. The Second Edition, Enlarged.
Description: London: Printed for J. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall, 1781. Three volumes. 8vo, 212 x 132, pp. [iv], xxxii, 494; [iv], 382 [383 - 400 indexes]; xii, 402 [403 - 412 index], contemporary calf, neatly rebacked, morocco labels; corners and other extremities worn, but a good set. Martin Madan (1725–1790) was a man with a mission, or, rather several missions. He was called to the bar in 1748 but the experience of hearing John Wesley led him to give up a career in law. As Arthur Pollard notes in his ONDB entry, "Madan became chaplain of the Lock Hospital at Hyde Park Corner, an institution for penitent prostitutes. His preaching there, where members of the public were free to attend, became so popular that a new chapel was built in 1762." So his endorsement of polygamy in these volumes led to many severe criticism of his writing and his person. Reviewing the third volume in 1781, the Monthly Review, having earlier scathingly reviewed the first two volumes, added salt to the wounds: "However cumbered his work may be with needless repetitions, and vague, impertinent digressions, however debased by vulgar stories , and low unregenerate wit, his main object is so perspicuous that he who rugs may read. In short, his whole system may be reduced to two general heads: and it is for the support of those heads, that every subordinate division, digression, quotation, anecdote, pun, and what not, were ultimately designed, and introduced into his elaborate performance: - viz., that marriage is simply nothing more than mere copulation; - and any married man copulating with any single woman, makes her his own property and lawful wife...."

Keywords: marriage women prose


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