John Poole

Born in 1786, John Poole was an English playwright and actor whose name is most closely linked with Paul Pry, a comedy first staged in 1825. The title character became so famous that "Paul Pry" entered common use as a label for an overly inquisitive person, giving Poole an unusual kind of literary afterlife.

Poole wrote for the theater at a time when comic drama, farce, and adaptation were central to popular entertainment. In addition to Paul Pry, he produced other stage works and was known for writing sharp, accessible comedy that connected with broad audiences.

He died in 1872. Though he is not as widely read today as some of his contemporaries, he still holds a secure place in theatrical history through the enduring success of Paul Pry and its influence on English popular culture.