SOURCE: "Addison and Steele Newly Reviewed," in Studies of a Litterateur, Harcourt, Brace and Company,. 1921, pp. 113-25.

In the following essay, Woodberry discusses Dobson 's volume of the works of Addison and Steele.

Addison lies under more obligations to happy fortune than any other Englishman of high literary rank. Halifax saved him from the Church and the probable oblivion of a seat on the bench of bishops, and sent him to cultivate his genius by foreign travel. When, on his return, he seemed sinking into poverty, the same warm patron introduced him to Godolphin's notice and procured for him the inspiration of "The Campaign" in the shape of a promise of office. Throughout life, as thus in its opening, friends, admirers, employments, themes, and applause were found for him; and if in his death he had not the crowning favor of a good biographer, the defect was more...