"Addison" by William John Courthope is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work is part of the English Men of Letters series, which aims to explore the lives and contributions of notable English authors. The book primarily focuses on the life, writings, and influence of Joseph Addison, delving into the literary and social context of the 18th century in England. The opening of the book sets the stage by examining the state of English society and letters after the Restoration. It highlights the contrast between the lack of significant personal records about Addison's life and the profound impact he had on his contemporaries. Courthope discusses the admiration Addison garnered from fellow writers, such as Pope and Swift, underscoring Addison's role in harmonizing societal debates through his writings. The narrative introduces themes of public opinion and the challenges of reconciling differing social elements amidst the chaotic political landscape of the time. This section hints at the complex interplay between Addison's personality, his contributions to literature, and the broader historical circumstances shaping his work. (This is an automatically generated summary.)