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Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 Books
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James Boswell
Boswell's Life of Johnson Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood
"Boswell's Life of Johnson" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791 about English writer Samuel Johnson. Often called the greatest biography in English, this landmark work recreates Johnson's life through detailed conversations and scenes drawn from Boswell's extensive journals. Though the two men spent only about 250 days together over twenty-two years, Boswell crafted an enduring portrait that blends myth with complexity, capturing Johnson's moral wisdom, personal eccentricities, and struggle with despair in vivid detail.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 4 1780-1784
"Life of Johnson, Volume 4" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the celebrated English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the biography recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and extensive conversations. Though Boswell spent only 250 days with Johnson, he crafted what became a universal critical success—hailed by many as the greatest biography written in English and among the finest nonfiction works ever created.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 1 1709-1765
"Life of Johnson, Volume 1" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of English writer Samuel Johnson's life through detailed journal entries and meticulously recorded conversations. Drawing from Boswell's extensive daily journals, the book recreates Johnson's "life in scenes," capturing his wit, wisdom, and moral struggles. Praised from publication as a masterpiece, it revolutionized biographical writing and remains one of the most celebrated nonfiction works in English literature, offering both historical insight and enduring literary achievement.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 5 Tour to the Hebrides (1773) and Journey into North Wales (1774)
"Life of Johnson, Volume 5" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and recorded conversations. Despite covering only the last twenty-two years of Johnson's existence, it became universally acclaimed and is often called the greatest biography in English. The work masterfully balances myth and reality, presenting Johnson as both moral hero and complex human being.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776
"Life of Johnson, Volume 2" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life, England's great writer and literary critic. Drawing from extensive journals and detailed conversations, Boswell recreates Johnson's world through vivid scenes and dialogue. Often called the greatest biography in English, it reveals a complex moral hero struggling with despair and personal eccentricities while displaying penetrating wisdom. The work transformed biographical writing and remains both an invaluable historical source and enduring literary masterpiece.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 3 1776-1780
"Life of Johnson, Volume 3" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life through Boswell's detailed journal entries and collected conversations. Often called the greatest biography written in English, it recreates Johnson's "life in scenes" through vivid dialogue and intimate observations. The book reveals both Johnson's moral wisdom and personal struggles, transforming extensive notes into an enduring literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for over two centuries.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc.
"Life of Johnson, Volume 6" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This groundbreaking work chronicles the life of English writer Samuel Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest biography written in English. Drawing from Boswell's detailed journals spanning twenty-two years of friendship, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and conversations. Though critics debate its biographical accuracy and note its focus on Johnson's later years, the work remains a landmark in biographical literature and an enduring portrait of one man's complex moral character.
Hester Lynch Piozzi
Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. During the Last Twenty Years of His Life
"Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D." by Hester Lynch Piozzi is a biographical work published in 1786. Drawing from her personal notes and twenty years of friendship with the renowned literary figure, Piozzi presents intimate glimpses into Samuel Johnson's manners, genius, and everyday life. Written in Italy after Johnson's death, the book sold out immediately, reportedly keeping King George III reading through the night. Despite mixed critical reception—some calling it "rubbish," others praising its liveliness—the work established Piozzi's reputation as an eighteenth-century writer.
Samuel Johnson
Dr. Johnson's Works: Life, Poems, and Tales, Volume 1 The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., in Nine Volumes
"Dr. Johnson's Works: Life, Poems, and Tales, Volume 1" by Samuel Johnson is a collection of writings by the esteemed 18th-century English author, renowned for his contributions to literature, biography, and lexicography. This work, produced in the early 19th century, serves as a comprehensive documentation of Johnson's life, along with examples of his poetry and essays. It likely delves into themes of moral philosophy, the human condition, and the intricacies of personal experience, giving readers an insightful look at both the man and his works. The opening of the volume provides a detailed introduction to Johnson's life and the motivations behind this collection. It highlights the significance of Johnson's contributions to British literature and discusses the nuances of his character and experiences that shaped his thoughts and writings. The initial chapters emphasize the expectations of readers to understand the life of a literary giant like Johnson—his struggles, friendships, and the circumstances leading to his literary endeavors. It sets the stage for the main body of work, promising a blend of both personal history and intellectual exploration, which aims to provide insights into Johnson’s philosophy and artistic expression throughout his career.
Clement King Shorter
Immortal Memories
"Immortal Memories" by Clement King Shorter is a collection of literary addresses and essays, written in the early 20th century. The book consists of commemorative speeches delivered at various literary gatherings, focusing primarily on notable figures in literature such as Dr. Samuel Johnson and William Cowper, among others. Through these essays, Shorter reflects on the lives and legacies of these literary giants, engaging readers in a discourse on their contributions to the literary canon. The opening of "Immortal Memories" introduces the concept of the book, revealing that the initial addresses were presented at celebrations or gatherings dedicated to honoring esteemed writers and literary figures. Shorter expresses a personal connection to the subjects, sharing anecdotes that highlight the pivotal moments in their lives and the impact they had on literature. His tribute to Dr. Samuel Johnson sets the stage, acknowledging the significance of Johnson's enduring influence while invoking the spirit of camaraderie among literary enthusiasts as they commemorate the vital contributions made by the authors he discusses. Overall, the opening provides a glimpse into both the personal and historical context of Shorter's reflections on literary immortality.
Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay
Macaulay's Life of Samuel Johnson, with a Selection from his Essay on Johnson
"Macaulay's Life of Samuel Johnson" edited by Charles Lane Hanson is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the life and accomplishments of Samuel Johnson, one of the most significant literary figures of the 18th century, who is known for his contributions to English literature, including his famous dictionary and essays. The text also includes a selection from Macaulay's essay on Johnson, highlighting the intersections between Macaulay and Johnson’s thoughts on literature and society. At the start of the book, the editor introduces Thomas Babington Macaulay and provides context about Johnson's early life, detailing his struggles with poverty, health issues, and the challenges he faced as he sought to establish himself as a writer. The narrative outlines Johnson's family background, his education, and his journey through various hardships before he eventually makes his mark in London. The opening portion reveals the formative experiences that shaped Johnson's character, such as his intellectual curiosity, struggles with his physical ailments, and his relationships with acquaintances who influenced his path, all of which set the stage for his emergence as a prominent literary figure.
S. C. (Sydney Castle) Roberts
The Story of Doctor Johnson; Being an Introduction to Boswell's Life
"The Story of Doctor Johnson; Being an Introduction to Boswell's Life" by S. C. Roberts is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a preamble to James Boswell's celebrated biography of Samuel Johnson, aiming to present the life and character of Johnson in a simplified manner for those less familiar with Boswell's extensive narrative. It contextualizes Johnson within the vibrant social and literary scene of 18th-century Britain, highlighting his influence and interactions with a diverse array of individuals, from philosophers to common folk. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage by introducing Samuel Johnson as a pivotal figure in 18th-century literature and society, emphasizing his extensive knowledge and vibrant personality. The narrative delves into Johnson's early life, touching upon his upbringing in a bookshop, education challenges at Oxford, and the hardships he faced upon moving to London. Johnson's tenacity and love for literature emerge, foreshadowing his eventual prominence despite early struggles with poverty and illness. Through anecdotes and quotes, Roberts foreshadows Johnson's significant contributions to English literature, culminating in the successful compilation of his influential dictionary and his acceptance into the circles of literary prowess.
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