Joseph Addison

Profession: Essayist, Playwright and Politician

Nationality:

Biography: Joseph Addison is best known as co-founder, with Richard Steele of The Spectator magazine in 1711. This was one of the earliest daily publications, with its aim "to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality."

Addison was also a playwright and poet. He wrote 'Cato, a Tragedy' in 1712, which was heralded as a great success and remained for several decades of lasting popularity and influence throughout the British Empire and in America.

Alongside his work as an essayist and author, Addison also had a political career. He served as a Member of Parliament in the English parliament and the Irish House of Commons.

Born: May 1, 1672
Birthplace: Milston, Wiltshire, England
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: June 17, 1719 (aged 47)