'Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer' Summary

The book follows the fictional character of Isaac Bickerstaff, created by Jonathan Swift as part of a hoax to ridicule the astrologer John Partridge. Richard Steele adopted the Bickerstaff persona for his satirical journal 'The Tatler', using him as a mouthpiece for his observations on London society. Bickerstaff writes about his daily life, his encounters with various individuals, and his experiences with love, marriage, and courtship. He also provides advice to those seeking guidance in their relationships, offering witty and sometimes cynical commentary on the complexities of human interaction. Steele uses Bickerstaff's voice to satirize social conventions, address issues of morality, and explore the nuances of human behavior in a witty and engaging manner. The essays offer a glimpse into early 18th-century London, capturing the anxieties, aspirations, and foibles of the people living in that era.