Abuses Stript and Whipt

Abuses Stript and Whipt is a work by George Wither, an English poet and Puritan pamphleteer born in 1588. Published in 1613, this work satirically addressed vices such as lust, avarice, and pride. Its content caused offense, leading to Wither's imprisonment for several months. While incarcerated, he wrote The Shepherd's Hunting, which is considered some of his finest verse. Wither's writings often reflected his Puritan beliefs and engagement with religious and political causes. He is also noted for being the first author to successfully assert copyright for his work, specifically with The Hymnes and Songs of the Church.12