Part one: Beginnings, 1688
1708
A London childhood
Lessons
Traditions
Preparations
First heroes
Part two: The road to fame, 1709
1720
First publications
Deluding fancies, real discomforts
New wine in old bottles and the discovery of envy
"A few lasting dependable friendships" and a dream for England
Solemnities and frivolities
In the studio and on the town
"Humour, wit, a native ease and grace"
Insurrections large and small
High life
"This subtle thief of life, this paltry time"
Part three: works and days, 1720
1733
Success and its rewards
Embarrassments and griefs
From Shakespeare to Swift
Taking writing seriously
A wider view
The proper study
Part four: "My countrys poet," 1733
1744
Personalities and politics
A man of many moods
The lady and the doctor
A sense of autumn
Country and court
Open challenges
Last heroes
Last poems
Death.