Richardson, Samuel: - Samuel Richardson was an English novelist and printer, widely recognized for his contributions to the epistolary novel form. Born on August 19, 1689, in Mackworth, United Kingdom, Richardson is best known for his three major works: Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded, Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady, and The History of Sir Charles Grandison. His novels explored complex human emotions, societal norms, and the relationships between individuals, often emphasizing the virtues of morality and virtue. Richardson s innovative use of the epistolary format, telling stories through letters, was groundbreaking and greatly influenced the development of the novel as a literary genre. He was married to Elizabeth Leake in 1733 and had a previous marriage with Martha Wilde, which ended in 1731. Educated at Christ's Hospital, Richardson initially worked as a printer before achieving fame as a writer. His works, which delved into themes of virtue, social class, and moral dilemmas, were immensely popular in their time and remain important contributions to English literature. Samuel Richardson passed away on July 4, 1761, at the age of 71 in London.