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Addison, Joseph

(born May 1, 1672, Milston, Wiltshire, Eng.—died June 17, 1719, London) English essayist, poet, and dramatist. His poem on the Battle of Blenheim, (1705), brought him to the attention of leading Whigs and paved the way to important government posts (including secretary of state) and literary fame. With Richard Steele, he was a leading contributor to and guiding spirit of the periodicals (1709–11) and (1711–12, 1714). One of the most admired masters of English prose, he brought to perfection the periodical essay. His (1713), a highly successful play with political overtones, is one of the important tragedies of the 18th century.

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