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What topics did The Tatler discuss in addition to news from London?
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Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison, oil painting by Michael Dahl, 1719; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Beyond reporting news, The Tatler evolved to investigate English manners and society, focusing on the following topics:
- Ideal Behavior: The periodical established principles for genteel conduct and defined concepts of the perfect gentleman and gentlewoman.12
- Social Standards: It promoted standards of good taste for the general public while criticizing behaviors such as dueling, gambling, rakishness, and coquettishness.12
- Moral Codes: The publication used numerous anecdotes and stories to illustrate and advance its moral codes, often admiring virtuous action.1
- Cultural Interests: Early issues also featured accounts of gallantry, pleasure, entertainment, and poetry.1
While the periodical maintained an explicit Whig allegiance and engaged in political controversy, its primary focus shifted toward shaping social behavior and public taste through the contributions of Sir Richard Steele and Joseph Addison.12