These types of approaches to written debate really find their origins of sorts in Nightmare Abbey. Truth be told, there are countless others that could come to mind before and after. As in, for example, Lewis' "The Abolition of Man," there is a way of conversing with your opponent skillful without him ever being present for the conversation himself. Peacock does this with several great minds modern to his own, and weaves a tale between the whole party. The writing is good, the story is nice, but some parts were a slog to get through.