Joseph Addison He was born in Milston in Wiltshire, England, on May 1, 1672. His father, Lancelot Addison, was dean of Lichfield Cathedral. The young man Joseph he studied at Charterhouse School, where he met Richard Steele – a future Irish writer and politician – with whom he would establish a solid and long friendship; then he continued his studies at Oxford.
In 1693, he dedicated a poem to the poet John Dryden; his first book, published in 1694, is a work on the life of English poets. Also in 1964, Addison translated the Georgian of Virgilio.
His diplomatic career began in 1699: he traveled extensively throughout Europe. During his travels, he wrote and studied politics. His poem “The bell“, celebrating the Battle of Blenheim, earned him a promotion: in 1705 he became deputy secretary of state in the government of Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax.
In 1708 he became a Member of Parliament for Malmesbury: immediately afterwards, he was sent to Ireland, where he met the writer Jonathan Swift. He then helped found the Kit-Cat Club, renewing his friendship with Richard Steele. With the latter he founded the newspaper “The viewer“in 1711, and began a second career as a playwright.
Addison in 1716 he married the Countess of Warwick. His political career experienced a period of splendor when he became secretary of state from 1717 to 1718. His political newspaper, “The Legislator“However, he was widely criticized: the poet Alexander Pope was one of many who made fun of Addison.
In 1718 he was forced to resign from his position as Secretary of State, due to his health condition; he would remain a deputy until his death, which occurred on June 17, 1719 in Kensington. The body of Joseph Addison he is buried in London, in Westminster Abbey.