Joseph Spence (author)

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Joseph Spence (1699-1768), was an English author and professor most famous for his collection of anecdotes (published in 1820) that are an invaluable resource for historians of 18th century English literature (Augustan literature). He was born at Kingsclere, Hampshire, and was educated at Winchester and Oxford University. He then entered the church, residing for a time in Durham as a prebendary.

His works include An Essay on Pope's Odyssey (1726) and Polymetis (1747). The former was an essay on a translation of Homer's Odyssey by Alexander Pope, and Spence subsequently became friends with Pope. Spence's anecdotes include tales about Pope and other literary figures such as John Arbuthnot, and Stephen Duck.

From 1728-1738 Spence was Professor of Poetry at Oxford University.