for which he is chiefly read today is Hermsprong, his last novel. Although regarded as radical at the time, it is somewhat disjointed. The first half has strong philosophical content, but in the second half the book, whilst retaining a strong satirical element, becomes more of a sentimental novel. The philosophical challenge of the novel is that it concerns an American who has been raised entirely by American Indians, without either formal education or religion. With only nature to teach him, he sees through the hypocrisy of society and English manners. It is notable for pursuing the theme of the noble savage and, in particular, "nativism" or innatism. Bibliography Mount Henneth (1781) Barham Downs (1784) The Fair Syrian (1787) James Wallace (1788) Man as he is (1792) Hermsprong (1796) References Sources External links Biography on Revolutionary Players website 1728 births 1801 deaths 18th-century English novelists People from Darley Abbey English businesspeople 18th-century English male writers 18th-century English writers English male novelists People from Elford People from Tamworth, Staffordshire