While Shakespeare work is so widely known and biographies and criticism so abundant that a brief sketch can only be redundant, it is useful to be reminded that through the work of the eighteenth-century British literary history and criticism establishment, Shakespeare had by the later part of the century attained the status of the most exemplary of British writers, a national treasure and incontestable proof of Britain's supposed cultural superiority over the rest of the world. Dramatic productions include Henry VI, parts 1, 2, and 3 (c. 1589-1592), Richard III (c.

British philosopher and historian whose emphasis on feeling in his writing on history, moral philosophy, and aesthetics helped to establish the eighteenth-century culture of sensibility. His most important work is Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times (1711).

The best known of the Italian improvisational poets, Sgricci performed to large audiences and great acclaim. His method was to memorize prefabricated sentences, which he put together quickly to achieve the effect of spontaneity, dazzling huge audiences and gaining him wealth, prizes, fame, and eventually a place among the nobility. His celebrity enabled him to live semi-openly as a homosexual, protected in part by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who had also granted Sgricci a pension after witnessing him improvise a full-length verse tragedy on Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Sforza was an Italian family that came to power in the mid-15th century through a marriage with the Visconti family. The family ruled Milan for nearly a century.

English courtier, aristocrat, and Whig known by the byname "The Proud Duke." Seymour helped secure the ascension of George I of Hanover to the crown alongside other Whig nobles. Seymour also served as the patron and political ally of Nicholas Rowe.

Known as "The Swan of Lichfield," poet, critic, and literary biographer Anna Seward often contributed poetry to the Gentleman's Magazine. She and novelist Clara Reeve carried out a literary debate there as well through an exchange of letters, with Seward signing hers "Benvolio." Seward also revised and edited her personal letters for publication, and though they did not appear until 1811, they made a noteworthy contribution to the field of literary criticism.

A priest of Hephaistos, mentioned briefly in Herodotus, who has at times been confused with Seti I, father of Ramesses II.

Roman statesman, orator, dramatist, and Stoic philosopher, also known as "Seneca the Younger." Seneca was the time period's leading intellect and carried significant political influence as the tutor of Emperor Nero. He is primarily remembered for his tragedies and essays on Stoicism. In 65, Seneca was accused of participation in the Piso conspiracy to assassinate Nero and ordered to commit suicide. Although he was likely innocent, Seneca faced his death with exemplary Stoicism, a scene which has inspired numerous works of art.

English Member of Parliament, friend of Horace Walpole, and member of the Hellfire Club, an exclusive society for high-society rakes. Selwyn was a controversial figure due to his reputation for interest in the macabre and various sexual eccentricities.

Selkirk, a Scottish sailor, spent four years shipwrecked on the South Pacific island. His story was well known at the time and likely served as Defoe's inspiration for The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.