Sir Richard Steele was an 18th century political writer and co-founder of The Spectator magazine. He was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1672 and was knighted in 1715. He is best known for his works on politics, literature, and drama. His most famous work is The Tatler, a periodical which he co-founded with Joseph Addison in 1709. Steele also wrote several plays, including The Conscious Lovers and The Funeral. He died in 1729 at the age of 57.