William Congreve | |
|---|---|
 1709 portrait of Congreve by Godfrey Kneller | |
| Born | 24 January 1670 Bardsey, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 19 January 1729 (aged 58) London, England |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey |
| Occupation | Playwright, poet, politician |
| Genre | Restoration literature |
| Literary movement | Classicism |
William Congreve (24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) was an English playwright, poet and Whig politician. His works, which form an important component of Restoration literature, were known for their use of satire and the comedy of manners genre. Notable plays he wrote include The Old Bachelor (1693), The Double Dealer (1694), Love for Love (1695), The Mourning Bride (1697) and The Way of the World (1700). He died in London, and was buried at the Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.