Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician, born on May 1, 1672, in Milston, Wiltshire, England. He is best known for co-founding 'The Spectator' magazine with his friend Richard Steele. Addison's work in 'The Spectator' is considered a significant contribution to the development of the English essay and the periodical literature of the time. He also wrote the tragedy 'Cato,' which was well-received in the 18th century. Addison's writing style is characterized by elegance, wit, and a gentle mockery of the contemporary society. He died on June 17, 1719, in Holland House, Kensington, England.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Selections From The Tatler And The Spectator
This collection brings together a curated selection of essays from two pioneering eighteenth-century periodicals, "The Tatler" and "The Spectator." Conceived and written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, these essays offer insightful, witty, and often moralistic observations on society, manners, and literature of their time. Through a blend of satire, criticism, and instruction, the authors aimed to both entertain and edify their readers, promoting virtues such as charity, friendship, and honesty. Their work not only reflects the intellectual and cultural milieu of early 1700s England but also significantly contributed to the development of English prose and the periodical essay as a literary form.
The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Spectator
"The Spectator" is a collection of daily publications from the early 18th century that offers a rich commentary on the social, political, and cultural life of England during that period. Through a series of essays and fictional correspondences, the work provides a platform for discussing various topics such as manners, literature, and public behavior. The central figure, a fictional spectator, observes and reports on the world around him, offering insights and critiques that aim to educate and entertain the readers while promoting moral virtues and enlightened thinking. The publication played a significant role in shaping the English essay as a literary form and had a lasting impact on the social discourse of the time.
The 4143rd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Essays And Tales
"Essays and Tales" is a collection of short works that delve into the author's reflections on society, politics, and human nature, written in a witty and engaging style. The essays often utilize the author's alter ego to critique various aspects of contemporary 18th-century life, ranging from fashion and social gatherings to literature and public behavior. The tales, on the other hand, are imaginative narratives that entertain and often carry moral lessons. Together, these pieces not only offer insights into the period's culture and values but also showcase the author's pioneering role in the development of the English essay.
The 6736th Greatest Book of All Time
