… to re-evaluate Ward and his writing is growing louder, as scholars recognise his value to studies of ‘ordinary’ life, culture, and ‘popular’ print. 4 His work dwells on the everyday – people, places, happenings – and its quirks, foibles … Diverting Muse, or Universal Medly (London 1707), p. 202-203. 12 . Jonathan Barry, ‘Literacy and literature in popular culture: reading and writing in historical perspective’ in Tim Harris (ed.), Popular culture in England, c. 1500-1850 (London, 1995), p. 69-94. 13 . Ned Ward, The Galloper (London, 1710). 14 . Ned Ward, …