19th and 20th-century criticism neglected Dunton because of his tendency to use the public for his private businesses. Both his quarrels as a publisher and as a husband were more than reflected in his publications. He would thus offer "Reflections on Mr. Dunton's leaving his wife. In a letter to himself." (1700?) followed by the public proclamation of his reunion with his wife. While at the same moment he would portrait himself as a lover of privacy with his "The art of living incognito being a thousand letters on as many uncommon subjects, written by John Dunton during his retreat from the world, and sent to that honourable lady to whom he address'd his conversation in Ireland" (1700).