Cover of Richard Steele

Timeline

Lifetime: 1672 - 1729 Passed: ≈ 295 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

Comedy Drama
Marriage Love Widow Death Comedy Satire Orphans Grief Lawyer Funeral Undertaker

The Funeral, or Grief à-la-Mode is a comedy play by English writer Richard Steele. It was first performed in 1701 and published in 1702. The play is a satire on the fashionable mourning customs of the time, and it follows the events leading up to and...

Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer Cover image

Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer

Satire Humour Non-Fiction Essays
Family Essay Advice Satire Friendship Society London Relationships Entertainment Manners Astrology Hoax

'Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer' is a collection of essays penned by Richard Steele under the pseudonym Isaac Bickerstaff. This satirical work presents a fictionalized account of Bickerstaff's life, focusing on his observations of London...

Lying Lover: or, The Ladies' Friendship Cover image

Lying Lover: or, The Ladies' Friendship

Satire Comedy Drama
Love Prison Social Satire Redemption Deception Friendship Betrayal Regret Drinking Dueling Comedy of manners Repercussions

The play explores the consequences of Young Bookwit's deceitful and reckless behavior. He engages in fabricated love affairs, indulges in excessive drinking, and ultimately finds himself in prison for the death of his friend. The story delves into t...

Tender Husband: or The Accomplished Fools Cover image

Tender Husband: or The Accomplished Fools

Satire Comedy Drama
Foolishness Marriage Social Satire Deception Farce Theatre 18th century Playwright London Society Mistress Sexual Intrigue Restoration Comedy

Richard Steele's 'The Tender Husband' is a Restoration comedy that revolves around the comedic misadventures of a group of characters navigating the intricacies of love, marriage, and social conventions in 18th century London. The play delves into th...

Conscious Lovers Cover image

Conscious Lovers

Comedy Fiction Drama
Family Marriage Play Love Morality Virtue Social Class Honor Duty Society England Theatre 18th century Comedy of manners Restoration Comedy

The Conscious Lovers is a play by Richard Steele, originally written in 1722. It deals with themes of love, honor, and social duty, exploring the complexities of relationships within a hierarchical society. The play follows the romantic entanglement...