Cover of Richard Steele

Timeline

Lifetime: 1672 - 1729 Passed: ≈ 294 years ago

Title

English Writer, Playwright, & Politician

Country/Nationality

United Kingdom
Wikipedia

Richard Steele

Richard Steele, a prominent figure of the 18th century, was an influential English writer, playwright, and politician. Known for his commitment to moral principles, Steele made significant contributions to the literary world through his writings and journalistic works. This essay will delve into his life, principles, notable works, and his lasting legacy.

Richard Steele was born on March 12, 1672, in Dublin, Ireland. He attended Charterhouse School and later studied at Merton College, Oxford. Steele's early career was marked by his service in the British Army, where he rose to the rank of captain. However, it was his literary achievements that brought him lasting fame.

Richard Steele was a staunch advocate of moral principles and believed in the power of literature to shape society. He promoted virtues such as honesty, compassion, and integrity through his works. Steele believed that literature should entertain and educate, highlighting the importance of ethical behavior and social responsibility. His principles aligned with the broader ideals of the Enlightenment era, emphasizing reason and humanistic values.Richard Steele passed away on September 1, 1729, in Carmarthen, Wales. He is remembered as an influential writer and champion of moral principles. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary merit and social commentary. Steele's commitment to fostering ethical behavior and promoting intellectual discourse left a lasting impact on English literature and journalism.

Richard Steele, with his dedication to moral principles and his significant contributions to literature, played a vital role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the 18th century. His influential works, such as "The Tatler" and "The Spectator," continue to inspire readers and scholars alike. Steele's legacy as a writer, playwright, and advocate

Books by Richard Steele

Days With Sir Roger de Coverley Cover image

Days With Sir Roger de Coverley

Fiction Biography
Love Morality Social Honor Humorous Fiction Historical Ethics Storytelling Intriguing

This is a charming book that takes readers on a delightful journey through the life and adventures of the beloved character, Sir Roger de Coverley. Written by Steele, a renowned English writer and co-founder of "The Spectator" magazine, this book off...

Funeral: or Grief A-La-Mode Cover image

Funeral: or Grief A-La-Mode

The Funeral: or, Grief à-la-Mode, a Comedy, was written in the summer of 1701, and given to Christopher Rich, of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in October. Soon afterwards it was acted, and it was published by Jacob Tonson between December 18 and 20,...

Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer Cover image

Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer

Isaac Bickerstaff Esq. was a pseudonym used by Jonathan Swift as part of a hoax to predict the death of then famous Almanac-maker and astrologer John Partridge. In 1709, Richard Steele bolstered the release of his new satirical paper The Tatler by na...

Lying Lover: or, The Ladies' Friendship Cover image

Lying Lover: or, The Ladies' Friendship

"The spark of this play is introduced with as much agility and life as he brought with him from France, and as much humour as I could bestow upon him in England. But he uses the advantages of a learned education, a ready fancy, and a liberal fortune,...

Tender Husband: or The Accomplished Fools Cover image

Tender Husband: or The Accomplished Fools

"The Tender Husband is, as a whole, very amusing; but unfortunately a second plot—alluded to in the title—is woven into the story which gives to the play its interest; and as this account of the manner in which the "tender husband" tries the faithful...

Conscious Lovers Cover image

Conscious Lovers

As early as 1720 Steele spoke in the Theatre of "a friend of mine" who was lately preparing a comedy according to the just laws of the stage, and had introduced a scene in which the first character bore unprovoked wrong, denied a duel, and still appe...