Begins Odyssey Translation
Pope undertook an English translation of the Odyssey with help from other classical scholars.
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Alexander Pope Biography and Timeline — Page 2
Follow Alexander Pope through 83 dated historical records for Great Britain.
Alexander Pope, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
83Distinct records
2 of 3Page
1722–1743Years on this page
1722
1723
Twickenham Grotto Developed
Pope began creating the grotto at his Twickenham garden as part of his landscape design.
1725
Odyssey Volumes Begin
The first volumes of Pope's translation of Homer's Odyssey appeared in print.
Shakespeare Edition Published
Pope's edition of Shakespeare's plays appeared in six volumes.
Odyssey First Volume Appears
Pope's Odyssey translation began appearing in a multivolume publication.
1726
Odyssey Translation Completed
Publication of Pope's version of the Odyssey concluded, extending his work as a translator of Homer.
Odyssey Final Publication
The concluding volumes of Pope's Odyssey translation were published with assistance from collaborators.
1727
Collaborates on Miscellanies
Pope collaborated with Jonathan Swift and others on the Miscellanies, a collection of verse and prose satire.
Swift Miscellanies Collaboration
Pope collaborated with Jonathan Swift and others on the Miscellanies.
1728
Dunciad First Published
Pope anonymously published the first version of The Dunciad, attacking literary dullness and hack writing.
Dunciad Anonymous Publication
Pope first issued The Dunciad without his name on the title page.
1729
Dunciad Variorum Edition
Pope issued an expanded Dunciad Variorum with elaborate notes parodying scholarly editorial practice.
Dunciad Variorum Notes Added
Pope published a new edition of The Dunciad with elaborate satirical annotations.
1731
Epistle to Burlington Published
Pope published his Epistle to Burlington, a moral poem on taste and architectural extravagance.
Epistle to Burlington Issued
Pope published a moral epistle criticising ostentatious architectural taste.
1732
Epistle to Bathurst Published
Pope addressed the use and misuse of riches in his moral epistle to Lord Bathurst.
Epistle to Bathurst Issued
Pope's poem addressed the moral responsibilities attached to wealth.
1733
Essay on Man First Epistle
Pope published the opening epistle of An Essay on Man, examining humanity's place in the universe.
Essay on Man Second Epistle
The second epistle of An Essay on Man examined human nature, passions and the relation between reason and self love.
Essay on Man Third Epistle
The third epistle of An Essay on Man considered human society and the bonds joining individuals.
Essay on Man First Epistle Released
Pope published the first of four epistles in An Essay on Man.
Essay on Man Second Epistle Released
Pope continued An Essay on Man with an examination of reason and passion.
Essay on Man Third Epistle Released
The third epistle of Pope's Essay on Man examined the foundations of human society.
1734
Epistle to Arbuthnot Composed
Pope developed the personal satirical defense of his literary career later published as Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot.
Essay on Man Fourth Epistle
The fourth epistle of An Essay on Man investigated happiness and the ethical purposes of human life.
Essay on Man Fourth Epistle Released
Pope concluded An Essay on Man with an epistle about happiness.
Epistle to a Lady Published
Pope's moral epistle on female characters addressed Martha Blount.
1735
Epistle to Doctor Arbuthnot Published
Pope published Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot, defending his authorship while satirizing critics and flatterers.
Moral Essays Collected
Pope brought together moral epistles exploring wealth, taste, character and public conduct.
Epistle to Arbuthnot Published
Pope defended his literary character in an autobiographical satire addressed to Arbuthnot.
1736
Imitations of Horace Published
Pope continued publishing adaptations of Horatian satire for contemporary British society.
1737
Imitations of Horace Continued
Pope extended his Imitations of Horace, adapting Roman satire to the politics and culture of Britain.
Letters Collection Authorised
Pope published an authorised edition of correspondence following disputes about earlier releases.
1738
One Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Eight
Pope published satirical dialogues associated with the year 1738, continuing his attacks on corruption and literary pretension.
Universal Prayer Published
Pope's Universal Prayer appeared with his works as a verse meditation on religious belief.
Universal Prayer Included in Works
Pope circulated his Universal Prayer as a religious and philosophical poem.
Horatian Dialogues Published
Pope issued satires in dialogue form directed against contemporary public corruption.
1742
New Dunciad Published
Pope published The New Dunciad, a fourth book extending his epic satire of cultural decline.
New Dunciad Fourth Book Published
Pope published The New Dunciad adding a fourth book to his satire.
1743
Four Book Dunciad Issued
Pope issued a revised four book Dunciad with Colley Cibber replacing Lewis Theobald as its central dunce.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.