Joseph Addison

1672–1719

Nationality: English

Historical Period: The 18th Century

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was educated at Oxford, served as a member of Parliament, and became widely known as an essayist, playwright, poet, and statesman. His play about Cato was very popular in the American colonies before the Revolution.

Quotes from Joseph Addison:

• Cato denounces generals like Julius Caesar who use success on the battlefield as a stepping stone to political power
• In Joseph Addison’s play Cato, Cato is asked what it would take for him to be Caesar’s “friend”

Titles from Joseph Addison:

• Author: Cato. A Tragedy (1713 ed.)
• Author: Cato: A Tragedy and Selected Essays