The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume V.

by Theophilus Cibber

"The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland" by Mr. Cibber is a historical account written during the mid-18th century. This volume serves as a biographical compilation detailing the lives and contributions of various poets from Britain and Ireland, notably focusing on figures like Eustace Budgell and Thomas Tickell. The text offers insight not only into the poets’ careers but also their personal lives and the sociopolitical contexts in which they operated. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to Eustace Budgell, whose early life reflects the complexities of familial expectations and personal aspirations. Budgell’s journey begins with his aristocratic background, education at Christ's Church, Oxford, and subsequent friendship with the renowned poet Joseph Addison. The narrative unfolds to reveal Budgell's deviations from his father’s intentions for him to pursue a legal career, as he is drawn instead to literature and involvement with notable publications such as "The Tatler" and "The Spectator." Ultimately, the opening portion highlights his rise within literary circles, his fluctuating fortunes, and his poignant reflections on his ambitions, emphasizing themes of friendship, familial obligations, and the pursuit of artistic recognition amidst personal turmoil.