Sir Richard Steele

Adam James Smith (York St John University)

Ed. by Nicholas Seager, University of Keele
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.05: English Writing and Culture from the Glorious Revolution to the French Revolution, 1689-1789.
Vol. editors: Paul Baines (University of Liverpool), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Pat Rogers (University of South Florida), Nicholas Seager (University of Keele)

Dates

Born 1672
Died 1729
Activity 1701-1729

Places

Born in Ireland, Republic of (Eire)
Active in England

Activities

Primary

Journalist
Playwright / Dramatist

Other

Essayist
Political writer

Resources

Steele's Works

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Sir Richard Steele’s most significant contributions to literary history are his innovations of the periodical essay form in such publications as

The Tatler

(1709-1711) and his famous collaboration with Joseph Addison on

The Spectator

(1711-12). He was also a political writer and life-long advocate of theatre, working as a playwright, theatre-critic and theatre manager.

Steele was baptised in St Bride’s parish, Dublin, on 12 March 1672. His parents were Richard Steele, an attorney, and Elinor Symes, née Sheyles. Steele was their second child, younger sibling to his sister Katherine, born the previous year. The family were protestant gentry thanks to the success of Steele’s paternal grandfather, also Richard Steele, who had been awarded land and a pension by Charles I for his services

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2138 words

Citation: Smith, Adam James. "Sir Richard Steele". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 21 April 2017 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=4201, accessed 21 November 2024.]

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