Sir Richard Steele

Adam James Smith (York St John University)
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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

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 19 March 2024.]

4201 Sir Richard Steele 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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