Augustan Age
The Rise of Journalism
The Rise of Journalism
Interest of the Middle Class in:
– Literature
– Art
– Social problems
– Political life
Desire of the Middle Class:
– To be informed
– To discuss events, famous people
The Periodicals
Joseph Addison (“The Spectator”)
Richard Steele (“The Tatler”)
Subjects of general interests:
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Fashion
Literature
Manners
History
Aim:
– Moral Teachings and Entertainment
The Tatler
• 3 times a week
• 1711
• Casual and conversational style
The Spectator
• Daily (no on Sundays) 1711-1712
• Mr Spectator  imaginary club
• Comments upon:
– customs and morals
– virtues and vices
• Different social classes
• Clear and simple style
• Imitation outside England (“Il Caffè” – Verri)
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spectator
Other Periodicals
Novelists  careers as journalists
Jonathan Swift “The Examiner” (whig ministers)
Daniel Defoe “The Review” (home & foreign policy)