Richard Steele Biography
Richard Steele was an Irish-born English writer, playwright, and politician, born in Dublin, Ireland around 1672. Coming from a Protestant Anglo-Irish family, he is best remembered as the co-founder, along with his close friend and partner
Joseph Addison, of the influential periodicals The Tatler and The Spectator. These papers marked a turning point in the cultural life of early 18th century England, setting standards of taste and decorum, promoting morality and common sense, and shaping the emerging public sphere. Steele's contribution to English literature is significant, as he helped to shape and develop the genre of the periodical essay, which would become an essential part of British journalism.
Steele was initially educated at the prestigious Charterhouse School in London, where he met and formed a lifelong friendship with Addison. He then attended Christ Church, Oxford, briefly before joining the army and pursuing a career as a commissioned officer. It was during his time in the army that Steele began writing and publishing his first works, including the comedy play "The Funeral" in 1701.
In 1707, Steele entered politics, becoming a Whig Member of Parliament for the Borough of Stockbridge. His political role often intersected with his work as a writer, as he used his creative outlet to express and advocate for his political beliefs.
Steele's greatest literary achievements were the creation of The Tatler in 1709 and The Spectator in 1711, both in partnership with Addison. The Tatler, published three times a week, was aimed at a well-educated, cultured, and moral audience. It contained essays on a variety of topics such as manners, literature, politics, and current events. The Spectator, on the other hand, was published daily and had a broader approach, but with a similar emphasis on moral and intellectual improvement. The publication was so successful that it enjoyed a daily circulation of around 3,000 copies.
The unique writing style of The Tatler and The Spectator, which combined seriousness and humor, and their innovative use of fictional personas, such as the famous Sir Roger de Coverley, allowed Steele and Addison to engage their audience in discussions about contemporary social and cultural issues. This helped to shape public opinion, create a sense of national identity, and promote moral and intellectual growth among their readers.
Throughout his life, Steele authored several plays, including "The Tender Husband" (1705), "The Lying Lover" (1703), and "The Conscious Lovers" (1722). He also wrote a variety of political pamphlets, essays, and satirical works. However, it was his collaborative efforts with Addison that truly solidified his legacy in the world of English literature.
Steele's successes in the fields of literature and politics were often overshadowed by his personal struggles. His marriage to his second wife, Mary Scurlock, gained notoriety for its rocky nature, and his financial management was often poor, leaving him in considerable debt.
Richard Steele died around 1729 in Carmarthen, Wales, but his influence on British literature and journalism remains significant. His collaborative work with Addison not only paved the way for modern journalism but also created a model for free and open discussion in the public sphere.
Our collection contains 15 quotes who is written / told by Richard.
Related authors: Joseph Addison (Writer)
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