# Richard Sheridan

## Biography

Richard Brinsley Sheridan, born in Dublin in 1751, was an influential Anglo-Irish playwright, orator, and Whig politician. Coming from a theatrical family, his mother was a playwright and his father an actor-manager. Sheridan rose to prominence in the London literary scene with his highly successful comedies of manners, most notably "The Rivals" (1775) and "The School for Scandal" (1777), the latter often considered a pinnacle of English comedy. He also became a part-owner of the prestigious Drury Lane Theatre, overseeing its operations.

Transitioning into politics, Sheridan served as a Whig Member of Parliament from 1780 to 1812, representing constituencies such as Stafford and Westminster. He was known for his eloquent oratory, particularly during the impeachment of Warren Hastings. Despite his political acumen and close association with figures like Charles James Fox and the Prince of Wales, his political influence was sometimes hampered by his perceived unreliability. Sheridan's extravagant lifestyle often led to financial difficulties. He died in London in 1816 and was buried in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey. His plays continue to be performed and studied as classics of the English stage.

## Books

- [The School for Scandal](https://samolit.com/books/96464)