From STAN KELLY-BOOTLE
In a TLS letter (April 3, 2009) Professor Pat Rogers (EngLit, U of S Florida), defending his case that Jeremy Thacker’s controversial pamphlet “The Longitudes Examnin’d” (1714) was a satirical hoax, writes:
“The lofty Nabokovian prose of the Scriblerus group contains the idea that they could have done for real the things [building very accurate ships’ chronometers – skb] that deluded projectors attempted in vain. Only they would not claim the prize.” [£20,000 from the British Parlieament. See Dava Sobel’s best-selling “Longitude” 1996 - skb]
Jeremy Thacker appears to have been a pseudonym. His identity remains a mystery (unlike Pale Fire which I see has now been solved beyond dispute). Although satirical in parts, his pamphlet included several innovative suggestions that later helped John Harrison to win the prize. For someone writing in 1714, JT seems to be one of the earliest authors to have been cited for his “lofty Nabokovian prose.” Whether “lofty” dilutes the praise is a matter of debated.
skb