Isaac Watts

Poet

Birthday July 17, 1674

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Nov 25, 1748 (74)

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About

A British hymn composer, poet, and theologian, he is credited with more than 700 hymns, including the famous "Joy to the World."

Before Fame

He studied Greek, Hebrew and Latin at King Edward VI School in Southampton, England.

Trivia

Also a logician, he published a 1724 textbook with the lengthy title of Logic, or The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth With a Variety of Rules to Guard Against Error in the Affairs of Religion and Human Life, as well as in the Sciences.

Family Life

He grew up in a family of religious Nonconformists, and his father was twice imprisoned for his beliefs.

Associated With

His poem, Against Idleness and Mischief, was parodied by author Lewis Carroll in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.