An Essay on the Evidence, External and Internal, Relating to the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1784)

The essay critically evaluates the authenticity of poems attributed to the alleged 15th-century poet Thomas Rowley, examining both external historical records and the internal stylistic elements of the poems. Mathias argues that these works are likely forgeries by Thomas Chatterton, who claimed to have discovered them. This analysis is significant in the context of English literature and literary forgery, contributing to the understanding of authorship and authenticity in literary history. The book is presented as a facsimile reprint, preserving its cultural importance.