Joseph Addison (Joseph Addison) (1672-1719), English writer and statesman, co-author R. Steele journal "Spectator". Born may 1, 1672 in Melstone (Wiltshire), in the family of a priest. In 1683 his father became a priest of the Cathedral in Lichfield, and Joseph enrolled in the local school Latin grammar. In 1686 was adopted at Charterhouse school in London, where he met R. Steele. From 1687 in 1699 he studied at Oxford University, first in Queens ' College, then in Modlin College. In 1691 became the bachelor, in 1693 - the master. In 1698 he entered graduate school Modlin College. Addison gained fame as a scientist and a poet, he struck up a friendship with D. Dryden and the U. Congreve. In 1699, preparing for the diplomatic service, received a Royal grant of 200 pounds for a trip to the continent and from 1699 to 1703 traveled to Europe.
In 1704, returning to England, composed by the order of the government of the poem "Hike" in honor of the victory in the battle of Blenheim. In the same year was appointed to the Board of appeals, and a year later took the place of the assistant Secretary of state and published the "Journey in Italy". In 1706 was accompanied by the Earl of Halifax in Hannover with important diplomatic mission. In 1707, the scene was staged Opera Addison Rosamunde, not having success. In 1708 Addison was elected to Parliament and from 1708 to 1710, he was General Secretary of the Irish Governor. By this time, are his articles in the journal "Chatterbox", which from April 1709 began to produce his friend Steele. "Chatterbox" come out three times a week, and remained a predominantly magazine Steele, although Addison wrote for him more than 40 essays.
After closing the "chatterbox" Addison and Steele began on 1 March 1711 to produce a much more well-known magazine, the Spectator" ("The Spectator"), issued six times a week. Perhaps the greatest success in the "Spectator" enjoyed essays dedicated to sir Roger de Coverly and his friends, both the author touched on various topics: literary criticism, public morals, religion, morality, and even fashion. Before December 6, 1712, when the magazine ceased to exist, was released 555 rooms. Addison wrote for "the Spectator" 274 essay, which was signed one of the four letters C.L.I.O., which was the name of the Muse of history. on June 18, 1714 he resumed production of "the Spectator" without the participation Steele, published twice a week to December 20, however, still successful not used.
In 1713, Joseph Addison wrote 53 of the essay "the Guardian", which Steele began producing instead of "the Spectator". In April of the same year was staged classical tragedy Addison's "Cato", which was a huge success - partly due contained in it political allusions. In 1715, after the Jacobite rebellion, Addison founded published twice weekly magazine "Freeholder" (23 December 1715-29 June 1716), derided the Jacobites. In 1716 in the theater "Drury lane" was anonymously put his Comedy "the Drummer", not having success. In the same year he married Charlotte, Countess of Warwick, which cared for almost twelve years.
In 1717, Addison reached the peak of his political career, becoming a Minister and a member of the Privy Council. Shortly before his death he took the unfortunate dispute with Steele regarding held in the Parliament of the bill of panstwa. Steele wrote against the bill pamphlet "Plebeian", Addison said the pamphlet "the Old vig.
Joseph Addison died in Holland house (London), June 17, 1719. He was buried in Westminster Abbey