Subject
English essays -- 18th century Books
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Samuel Johnson
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 02 The Rambler, Volume I
"The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 02" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of essays and moral reflections written in the mid-18th century. This volume includes the first contributions of "The Rambler," where Johnson emphasizes the role of moral instruction in society. The work navigates human nature, vice, and the shifting patterns of societal behavior, reflecting Johnson's profound observations on life and morality. The opening of the volume presents a preface that frames the context for Johnson's essays, discussing the need for moral guidance during a time of social change. It outlines the evolving literary landscape and the increasing influence of a broader audience on writers. Johnson positions himself as a moralist, drawing on the past while addressing contemporary issues, aiming to provide an enlightening critique rather than mere entertainment. He notes the greater responsibilities writers have as society evolves, highlighting the seriousness of his intent to reform through literature. This establishes "The Rambler" as a reflective mirror for readers, urging them to scrutinize their own lives while offering wisdom derived from Johnson's keen insights into human behavior.
Joseph Addison
Essays and Tales
"Essays and Tales" by Joseph Addison is a collection of essays and reflections likely written in the early 18th century. The work is characterized by Addison's exploration of various social themes, such as credit, superstitions, and humor, presenting insights through a lens of wit and moral contemplation. Addison’s writing often navigates the complexities of human nature, society, and the arts, making it a rich resource for understanding the intellectual climate of his time. At the start of "Essays and Tales," the introduction highlights Addison’s notable contributions through his earlier works in the "Tatler" and "Spectator", where he partnered with Richard Steele to combat ignorance and cultivate taste. The opening essay focuses on "Public Credit," presenting a visionary allegory of Public Credit as a delicate maiden cherished yet threatened by various societal specters like Tyranny and Anarchy. Addison effectively intertwines the domestic and political, illustrating how the health of Public Credit reflects the broader moral conditions of society. This allegorical style serves not only to entertain but to prompt reflection on the values and silences of the contemporary social fabric.
Samuel Johnson
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 04 The Adventurer; The Idler
"The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 04" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of essays and critiques written during the 18th century, specifically around the mid-18th century. This volume encompasses the essays titled "The Adventurer" and "The Idler," where Johnson addresses various aspects of human behavior, society, and morality, reflecting on the complexities of life through the lens of both humor and seriousness. The opening of this volume introduces "The Adventurer," featuring a character named Misargyrus, who recounts his descent from a life of privilege to imprisonment due to his extravagant lifestyle and indulgence in pleasures. Misargyrus's narrative serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how the pursuit of vanity and excess can lead to ruin. Additionally, Johnson provides insights into themes of human folly, the consequences of actions, and the nature of societal expectations, while also exploring the varying motivations that drive individuals. This introductory section sets the stage for a broader examination of character and morality through subsequent essays, presenting a rich tapestry of 18th-century thought and literary style.
Samuel Johnson
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 05 Miscellaneous Pieces
"The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 05" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of various essays, prefaces, and treatises written in the mid-18th century. This volume primarily includes Johnson's reflections on language and lexicography, particularly focusing on his plans for the English Dictionary, which aimed to define and document the evolving nature of the English language. The opening of this volume features Johnson's detailed explanation of his ambitious project to create an English dictionary. He shares his thoughts on the challenges of defining words, fixing orthography, and the influence of time and fashion on language. Johnson expresses the complexities involved in balancing accuracy with accessibility, emphasizing the need for the dictionary to serve both critical and popular audiences. Through his meticulous approach, he outlines guidelines for word selection and usage, making the task of lexicography appear not only daunting but essential for the preservation of English language and grammar.
Jonathan Swift
The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09 Contributions to The Tatler, The Examiner, The Spectator, and The Intelligencer
"The Prose Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. — Volume 09" by Jonathan Swift is a collection of writings primarily from periodicals such as "The Tatler," "The Examiner," "The Spectator," and "The Intelligencer," composed during the early 18th century. This volume showcases Swift's sharp wit and keen observations on society, politics, and human behavior, offering readers a critical lens through which to view the fabric of his time. At the start of the text, the introduction establishes Swift as a masterful yet misunderstood figure, highlighting his contributions beyond mere journalism to include profound social and political critique. The opening portion emphasizes Swift's unique blend of literary expression and moral insight, particularly in the context of the early 1700s, where he sought to address the complexities of political factions and their impacts on English society. This foundation sets the stage for understanding the essays that follow, which delve into contemporary issues such as the nature of eloquence, the dynamics of political discourse, and the critique of social manners characteristic of the period. Swift's incisive analysis serves to engage readers in a dialogue about the role of the individual in society, as well as the historical implications of his thoughts on governance and moral integrity.
Samuel Johnson
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03 The Rambler, Volume II
"The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of essays and reflections published in the early 19th century. The text addresses various facets of human nature, society, and the literary profession, often reflecting on the challenges faced by authors and the transient nature of fame and reputation. The opening of this work introduces readers to a series of essays that delve into the vanity of authors’ expectations and the often-disappointing nature of literary fame. Johnson explores the harsh realities of an author's life, discussing the neglect that many talented writers face despite their efforts and contributions. He also addresses themes of reputation, the vanity intrinsic to the pursuit of knowledge and recognition, and the inevitability of time's erasure of past glories, setting a contemplative tone that invites readers to reflect on the societal dynamics surrounding literature and human ambition.
Samuel Johnson
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Eleven Volumes, Volume 06 Reviews, Political Tracts, and Lives of Eminent Persons
"The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Eleven Volumes, Volume 06" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of critical essays, reviews, and political tracts written in the early 19th century. This volume features Johnson's extensive commentary on a range of subjects including literature, historical accounts, and political observations, showcasing his literary prowess and insightful critiques of contemporary works and figures. The opening of this volume serves as an introduction to the reviews contained within, outlining the various topics that Johnson addresses. He begins with a letter discussing the inadequacies of travelers' accounts of China, emphasizing the contrast between expectations and realities. Following this, he delves into specific critiques of memoirs and historical works, such as those about the Duchess of Marlborough and Sir Isaac Newton’s letters, discussing the reliability of personal narratives and the nature of historical truth. The beginning thus establishes a framework for the analytical depth Johnson brings to each review, blending personal insight with broader cultural commentary, setting the tone for the intellectual journey within the volume.
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