]So maybe one had to be living in Goldsmith's time, and have felt actual aggravation at the theology and philosophy and social customs of the time, to appreciate the satire.

Although I'm tickled by the style of prose, I think it's because I've been trying to place myself in those times while reading this. The notes in my book also indicate that some of this novel had apparently been first written elsewhere, then brought into the storyline, so I'm wondering if this novel (like the ballad), was written for the amusement of his friends and family. I suspect there are a lot of inside jokes contained in these pages.

I haven't read the introduction to my edition (to ward off spoilers), but does anyone have information on why Goldsmith published this novel? I don't know his economic circumstances, so am unsure if it was purely for profit, etc.