
audiobook
by Joseph Addison, Eustace Budgell, Sir Richard Steele
Transcriber's Notes
THE SIR ROGER DE COVERLEY PAPERS
PREFACE BY THE GENERAL EDITOR
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION - I. Steele and Addison
I. THE SPECTATOR
II. THE CLUB
III. SIR ROGER'S CRITICISMS ON POLITE SOCIETY
IV. THE CLUB AND THE SPECTATOR
V. A LADY'S LIBRARY
A lively collection of essays introduces listeners to Sir Roger de Coverley, the genial country squire whose modest parish becomes a stage for gentle satire and warm observation. Through his modest concerns—whether arranging a village fête, settling a local dispute, or navigating the quirks of early‑18th‑century etiquette—the pieces paint a vivid portrait of everyday English life with humor that feels both timeless and endearing.
Each short sketch unfolds like a conversation over a hearth, offering witty commentary on politics, religion, and the rhythms of rural society. The language, while true to its period, is rendered clearly, allowing modern ears to follow the charm without stumbling over archaic phrasing. Helpful footnotes smooth over obscure references, keeping the narrative flow smooth and engaging.
Beyond entertainment, the work serves as an accessible window into a bygone era, revealing the values, foibles, and community spirit that shaped the age. Listeners will find a blend of gentle comedy and insightful social portrait that makes Sir Roger’s world both instructive and delightfully relatable.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (396K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Les Galloway and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2015-01-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1672–1719
Best known for shaping the friendly, polished voice of early English journalism, this essayist helped turn everyday observation into lively literature. His work with Richard Steele on The Spectator made him one of the defining writers of the early 1700s.
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1686–1737
Best known as one of the leading voices in The Spectator, this lively 18th-century writer mixed literary polish with a political career that ended in scandal. His life moved from Addison’s brilliant circle to financial ruin and a tragic death in London.
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1672–1729
Best known for helping invent the friendly, conversational essay, this Anglo-Irish writer brought everyday life, manners, and morals into the new world of periodicals. His work with Joseph Addison on The Tatler and The Spectator helped shape modern journalism and eighteenth-century literary culture.
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