William King (poet)

William King (1663-1712) was an English poet and miscellaneous writer, known primarily for his witty and satirical verse. He was born in London and educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, where he later became a doctor of civil law.

King's works are characterized by their light and humorous style, often employing burlesque and parody. He frequently satirized contemporary society, literary trends, and political figures. Some of his more notable works include:

• Mully of Mountown (1704): A mock-heroic poem about an Irish highwayman.
• The Art of Cookery (1708): A burlesque poem in imitation of Horace's Ars Poetica, offering mock advice on the culinary arts.
• Useful Transactions in Philosophy (1709): A satirical account of the activities of the Royal Society.
• Numerous poems and essays published in periodicals of the time.

King's writings enjoyed considerable popularity during his lifetime. He was admired for his sharp wit and his ability to capture the follies of the age. Though less widely read today, he remains a significant figure in the history of English satire and a valuable source for understanding the social and literary landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He died in London in 1712.