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Addison (JOSEPH an English essayist)

JOSEPH, an English essayist, poet, and statesman; born at Milston, May 1, 1672. In 1693, he began his literary career with a poetical address to Dryden. Next year appeared his "Account of the Greatest English Poets," and a translation of the fourth book of the "Georgics." In 1697 he composed a Latin poem on the "Peace of Ryswick," and this, with a poem, "To the King," resulted in that, through Charles Montagu, Earl of Halifax, he obtained, in 1699, a pension of £300, and spent four years in JOSEPH ADDISON France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Holland, one of the results of his travels being his "Letter to Lord Halifax." "The Campaign," a poem celebrating the victory of Blenheim (1704), secured for him a commissionship of excise. Elected to Parliament for Malmesbury, he kept the seat for life.

He contributed largely to the "Tatler," started by his friend Steele, in 1709; 41 papers being wholly by Addison, and 34 ADELAIDE 1711, was founded the "Spectator," 274 numbers of which (those signed with one of the letters CLIO), were the work of Addison. As a light essayist, he has no equal in English literature. His tragedy, "Cato" (1713), aroused such vehement party enthusiasm that it kept the stage 35 nights. In 1716 Addison married the Dowager Countess of Warwick and in 1717 he was appointed Secretary of State, but resigned his post, owing to his failing health, in March, 1718. He died at Holland House, June 17, 1719.