Sir Richard Steele’s Cottage, Hampstead is an 1832 painting by English Romantic landscape artist John Constable. This work is located in the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut.
Biography of Sir Richard Steele
Sir Richard Steele was a prominent Irish writer, playwright, and politician, best known for his contributions to the development of the periodical essay in the early 18th century. Alongside his friend and fellow writer Joseph Addison, Steele co-founded two of the most influential periodicals of the time, “The Tatler” and “The Spectator.”
Early Life and Education
Richard Steele was born in Dublin, Ireland, in March 1672. He was educated at the Charterhouse School in London, where he met Addison, forging a lifelong friendship. Steele later attended Merton College, Oxford, but he left without taking a degree to join the army. His military career, however, was brief and relatively undistinguished, leading him to focus on writing and journalism.
Literary Career
Steele’s literary career began with his work as a playwright. His first play, “The Funeral,” was produced in 1701 and received positive reviews. This success was followed by other plays, including The Lying Lover in 1703 and The Tender Husband in 1705. Despite his initial success as a playwright, Steele’s lasting legacy lies in his contributions to periodical literature.
In 1709, Steele founded The Tatler, a periodical published three times a week. The Tatler mixed news, gossip, essays, and poetry, providing commentary on contemporary society, manners, and politics. Steele adopted the pseudonym Isaac Bickerstaff for his contributions, a name previously used by Jonathan Swift. The Tatler was well-received, and its blend of wit, humor, and moral instruction set the tone for future periodicals.
In 1711, Steele and Addison launched The Spectator, a daily publication that aimed to “enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality.” The Spectator featured a fictional club of characters, including the well-known Mr. Spectator, who offered observations and reflections on various aspects of society. The essays in The Spectator are notable for their clarity, elegance, and insight, making them enduring examples of the periodical essay. The publication had a significant influence on public opinion and contributed to the development of modern journalism and literary criticism.
Political Career
Steele’s career was not confined to literature; he was also actively involved in politics. He was a Whig, and his political writings often reflected his support for the party. In 1713, Steele was elected to the British Parliament as a member for Stockbridge. His political career, however, was marked by controversy, and he faced opposition from the Tories. Despite these challenges, Steele remained a committed advocate for his political beliefs and used his writings to promote Whig principles.
Later Life and Legacy
Steele’s later years were marked by financial difficulties and declining health. He continued to write and remained involved in politics, but his fortunes waned. He retired to Wales, where he spent his final years. Steele died on September 1, 1729, in Carmarthen, Wales.