Joseph Warton facts for kids
Joseph Warton (born April 1722 – died 23 February 1800) was an English writer and literary critic. He was known for his poetry and for writing about other famous writers.
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Early Life and Family
Joseph Warton was born in Dunsfold, Surrey, England. His family soon moved to Hampshire. There, his father, Reverend Thomas Warton, became a vicar in Basingstoke. Joseph's sister, Jane, and his younger brother, Thomas Warton, were also born there. Both Jane and Thomas became writers too. Their father later became a professor at the University of Oxford.
Education and Career
Joseph Warton went to school at Winchester College. He then studied at Oriel College, Oxford. Like his father, he became a church minister, starting as a curate in Winslade in 1748. In 1754, he became the rector at The Church of All Saints in Tunworth.
Early in his life, Joseph Warton wrote poetry. His most famous poem is The Enthusiast (1744). This poem was an early example of a new style of writing called Romanticism.
In 1755, he went back to his old school, Winchester College, to teach. From 1766 to 1793, he was the headmaster there. During his time as headmaster, he faced some challenges in managing the school.
His Work as a Critic
Joseph Warton was also a very respected literary critic. He created special editions of works by famous classical poets like Virgil. He also edited works by English poets such as John Dryden.
Friends with Famous Writers
Joseph Warton was a friend of Samuel Johnson, a very famous writer and dictionary maker. He was also part of a group of writers who gathered around the publisher Robert Dodsley.
Monument to Joseph Warton
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There is a monument dedicated to Joseph Warton in Winchester Cathedral. It was created by the famous sculptor John Flaxman.
Works
- The Enthusiast, or The Lover of Nature (1744)
- Odes on Various Subjects (1746)
- Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope (volume 1: 1756; volume 2: 1782)
