Kit-Kat Club: Influential Intellectual Circle

Kit-Kat Club

• Formed around 1700 by Whigs, intellectuals, and artists in London
• Met regularly to discuss politics, literature, and society
• Influential in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries
• Name likely derived from Christopher Cat, a baker, or the size of pies served; informal gatherings emphasize social and intellectual tone
• The Kit-Kat Club was a London-based literary and political club that emerged around 1700. The club played a significant role in the development of English literature, politics, and culture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
• The club was formed by Whigs (supporters of the monarchy), intellectuals, and artists, who met regularly to discuss politics, literature, and society. Their influence was profound in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the time.

Kit-Kat Club Members

• Richard Steele: Co-founder of The Tatler and The Spectator, two influential periodicals of the early 18th century in England
• Joseph Addison: Collaborated with Richard Steele in founding The Tatler and The Spectator; author of The Campaign (1704)
• William Congreve: Playwright known for comedies like The Old Bachelor (1693), The Way of the World (1700), and Love for Love (1695)
• Robert Walpole: Britain's first Prime Minister; wrote and published anonymous political pamphlets
• John Locke: Philosopher and theorist; wrote An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises of Government
• Sir John Vanbrugh: Architect and playwright, known for comedies The Relapse and The Provoked Wife

Scriblerus Club

• Formed around 1714 by a group of writers and intellectuals in London
• Conservative and aristocratic leanings
• Used satire to critique contemporary society, literature, and politics
• Created the persona of Martinus Scriblerus for satirical purposes
• Name combines "Martin" (from a comic character) and "Scriblerus" (a term of contempt for a talentless writer); the name Martin was derived from John Dryden's comic character Sir Martin Mar-all, whose name had become synonymous with absurd error
• The club collaborated on the Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus, starting as early as 1713 and leading to frequent meetings in London.

Scriblerus Club Members

• Jonathan Swift: Author of satirical works including The Modest Proposal, Gulliver’s Travels, The Battle of the Books, A Journal to Stella, and A Tale of a Tub
• Alexander Pope: Known for his use of heroic couplets, author of The Rape of the Locke, The Dunciad, Essay on Criticism, and Essay on Man
• John Gay: Wrote the ballad opera The Beggar’s Opera and its sequel Polly, along with poems/narratives (Fables)
• Dr. John Arbuthnot: Physician, satirist, and polymath; wrote The History of John Bull, The Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus, and on the use of mathematics
• Thomas Parnell: Author of A Night-Piece on Death, The Hermit, and odes/elegies