Alexander Pope

Alexander Pope was born to a linen merchant and his wife in 1688, London. Because his family was Catholic, English laws of the time prohibited him from attending school. However, he educated himself by reading books. Pope suffered mutiple health problems in his youth that stunted his growth and gave him a hunchback. In 1709, Pope began publishing his poetry, bringing him fame and notoriety. In 1712, Pope published his most famous poem, The Rape of the Lock. Pope also became known for his essays, satirical verse, and translations of Homer. Today, he is the third most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.