This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/21/2022
[THE TATLER]. [STEELE, Richard (1672–1729) (“Isaac Bickerstaff”)]. The Tatler. Number I. London: for the author, 12 April 1709. 2–page folio broadsheet (318 x 210 mm), staining at margins, some separation at centerfold near margin. THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE ORIGINAL PERIODICAL PUBLISHED BY SIR RICHARD STEELE. “At first its avowed intention was to present accounts of gallantry, pleasure, and entertainment, of poetry, and of foreign and domestic news. These all were reported and ‘issued’ from various London coffee and chocolate houses. In time, The Tatler began to investigate manners and society, establishing its principles of ideal behavior, its concepts of a perfect gentleman and gentlewoman, and its standards of good taste. Dueling, gambling, rakish behavior, and coquettishness were criticized, and virtuous action was admired. Numerous anecdotes and stories gave point to the moral codes advanced. The periodical had an explicit Whig allegiance and was several times drawn into political controversy. The English periodical essay began its first flowering in The Tatler, reaching its full bloom in the hands of Joseph Addison. Addison seems to have made his first contribution to it in the 18th issue. Two months after The Tatler ceased publication, he and Steele launched the brilliant periodical The Spectator (Britannica).”