Abstract
Jürgen Habermas used the coffeehouse and the periodical essays of Addison and Steele as prime examples of his concept of an eighteenth-century "public sphere." This article revisits Addison's and Steele's attitudes toward the coffeehouse and argues that their understanding of public political life must be read within the context of Whig political fortunes in the later years of Queen Anne's reign. Their purpose was not to celebrate the emergence of a public sphere, but rather to shift the grounds of political debate away from the contentious issues of war and religion that threatened the security of Whig politics after the trial of Sacheverell and the collapse of the junto ministry in 1710.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
