born May 1, 1672, Milston, Wiltshire, Eng.
died June 17, 1719, London
English essayist, poet, and dramatist.
His poem on the Battle of Blenheim, The Campaign (1705), brought him to the attention of leading Whigs and paved the way to important government posts (including secretary of state) and literary fame. With Richard Steele , he was a leading contributor to and guiding spirit of the periodicals The Tatler (170911) and The Spectator (171112, 1714). One of the most admired masters of English prose, he brought to perfection the periodical essay. His Cato (1713), a highly successful play with political overtones, is one of the important tragedies of the 18th century.
Joseph Addison, oil painting by Michael Dahl, 1719; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Courtesy of The National Portrait Gallery, London