Religio Medici and Newgate

Abstract Apart from two, very brief references Religio Libertini has not attracted the attention of critics.2 Richard Burridge, its author, has fared no better. Whereas Mackenzie and Dunton both achieved some fame in their time, Burridge belongs to the great legion of eighteenth-century hacks who failed to make a name for themselves. His most ingenious move, it would appear, was to create a link between himself and Browne by adopting the title of the latter’s work. Keynes swallowed Burridge’s bait, and this has led to the inclusion of Religio Libertini among Religio Medici’s imitations.