Lives of the English Poets : Waller, Milton, Cowley

by Samuel Johnson

"Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowley" by Samuel Johnson is a critical work published between 1779-81. This collection presents short biographies and literary critiques of 52 English poets, mostly from the eighteenth century. Johnson examines each poet's life, character, and major works, offering judgments that proved controversial even upon publication. His assessments—including harsh views on Milton's "Lycidas" and metaphysical poetry—sparked immediate debate. Commissioned by London publishers to compete with Scottish editions, these prefaces evolved from brief introductions into substantial literary criticism that shaped how generations understood English poetry.