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 PeriodicalsJoseph Addison (“The Spectator”)Richard Steele (“The Tatler”)

Subjects of general interests:– 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)