Author
Richard Steele
1672-1729
Richard Steele (1672-1729) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Richard Steele
The Tatler, Volume 4
"The Tatler, Volume 4" by Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison is a periodical published between 1709-1711. This pioneering journal revolutionized British journalism by presenting polished essays on manners and society through the persona of Isaac Bickerstaff. Each issue delivered news and gossip supposedly gathered from London's fashionable coffeehouses, mixing real observations with invented tales. The publication featured contributions from literary luminaries including Jonathan Swift, offering Whiggish commentary while instructing readers on proper conduct. Its innovative approach established a template that would influence British essayists for generations.
The Tatler, Volume 2
"The Tatler, Volume 2" by Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison is a periodical published between 1709-1711. This groundbreaking journal revolutionized British journalism by offering cultivated essays on contemporary manners and social behavior through the persona of Isaac Bickerstaff. Drawing gossip and stories from London's most fashionable coffeehouses, Steele and Addison created a witty guide to middle-class propriety and Whiggish thought. Their innovative approach established a pattern that would influence generations of essayists and shape the future of British periodical literature.
The Tatler, Volume 1
"The Tatler, Volume 1" by Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison is a literary and society journal published between 1709 and 1711. Using the invented persona of Isaac Bickerstaff, Steele created a revolutionary approach to journalism by blending real gossip from London coffeehouses with fictional tales. The publication featured cultivated essays on contemporary manners and Whiggish views, pretending to station reporters at the city's most popular coffeehouses. This groundbreaking periodical established patterns that would influence British essayists for generations to come.
Richard Steele Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken
"The Complete Plays of Richard Steele" by Sir Richard Steele is a collection of comedies written in the early 18th century. This anthology highlights Steele's contributions to the English drama, showcasing his wit and humor similar to that found in his renowned periodical essays like the "Tatler" and "Spectator." The plays included tackle themes of love, society, and morality, featuring characters such as the earnest widower Lord Brumpton and the charming Lady Sharlot. The opening of the collection introduces Richard Steele's background and his journey as a playwright while elaborating on the theatrical landscape of his time. It reveals how Steele’s early life, including a brief military career, informed his comedic writing and themes, culminating in stage productions like "The Funeral," which critiques societal attitudes towards mourning and showcases his satirical perspective on human behavior. The text provides an insightful overview of the historical context and highlights significant elements that resonate throughout his works.
Isaac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer
"Issac Bickerstaff, Physician and Astrologer" by Sir Richard Steele is a collection of essays originally published in journals during the early 18th century. The book is centered around the character of Isaac Bickerstaff, a fictional physician and astrologer who provides commentary on the social mores and behaviors of his time through thoughtful and often humorous essays that reflect the cultural life of his era. The opening of the work sets the stage for Bickerstaff’s persona by introducing the context of his genealogical claims and his critique of contemporary society. He humorously asserts his family lineage and pokes fun at both existing societal norms and individuals, setting a sly tone for the essays to follow. This introduction hints at Bickerstaff's dual role as a thoughtful observer and a satirical commentator on issues like marriage, societal vanity, and human folly, through a blend of wit, wisdom, and charm. This establishes a rich ground for engaging narratives that will blend personal anecdotes with broader reflections on love, marriage, and the follies of human character.
The Tatler, Volume 3
"The Tatler, Volume 3" by Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison is a periodical journal published between 1709-1711. Using the pen name Isaac Bickerstaff, Steele created a pioneering journalistic persona to share gossip and stories from London's coffeehouses while instructing middle-class readers on manners and morals. With contributions from Addison and Swift, these cultivated essays established a new approach to journalism that would influence British essay writing for generations, ultimately leading to the creation of their famous successor, "The Spectator."