Alexander Pope

1688–1744 · English poet, satirist & translator

Alexander Pope was the leading English poet of the early 18th century, celebrated for his polished heroic couplets and biting satire in works such as The Rape of the Lock and The Dunciad. His verse essays — including An Essay on Criticism (1711) and An Essay on Man — packed memorable maxims into rhyme, which is why so many everyday English phrases trace back to him. He is one of the most-quoted writers in the language.

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