Essays and Tales

"Essays and Tales" by Joseph Addison is a compilation of reflective essays from the early 1700s. Addison uses his writing to look closely at different parts of how society works, like trust in the financial system, old beliefs, and what makes things funny, all while using cleverness and thinking about right and wrong. Addison thinks about how people act, society, and the arts, giving readers a good look at what people thought about during that time. The book starts by pointing out Addison’s important work in earlier writings, where he worked to fight ignorance and improve people's understanding of what is good. The first piece dives into the idea of "Public Credit," creating a picture of it as something precious that needs to be protected from dangers like oppressive rule and chaos. Addison mixes everyday life with politics, showing how the strength of financial trust mirrors the moral state of society. This storytelling style aims to both entertain and encourage readers to consider the values of their world.