The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03 / The Rambler, Volume II

Name: The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03 / The Rambler, Volume II
Author: Samuel Johnson

By Samuel Johnson

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British Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

A collection of moral and literary essays, presented as numbered pieces, combines moral reflection, social satire, literary criticism, and short narrative sketches. The author examines human passions—vanity, ambition, idleness, cowardice, desire for fame—and practical virtues like repentance, diligence, and prudence; debates on education, marriage, and imitation; and offers critical judgments on poetry and drama. Many essays use illustrative anecdotes and character sketches to probe motives and consequences, and the tone balances moral exhortation with skeptical observation, aiming to guide readers toward reasonable conduct and clearer literary judgment.

About the Author

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an influential English writer and lexicographer, best known for his comprehensive dictionary, "A Dictionary of the English Language," which laid the groundwork for modern lexicography. His literary contributions span various genres, including poetry, essays, and biography. Johnson's works often reflect his keen insight into human nature and society, as seen in his notable titles such as "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" and "Lives of the English Poets." He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time, engaging with contemporaries like James Boswell, whose biography of Johnson remains a classic. His legacy endures in the realms of literature and language.