The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 04 / The Adventurer; The Idler

Name: The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 04 / The Adventurer; The Idler
Author: Samuel Johnson

By Samuel Johnson

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British Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

A collection of short periodical essays that blend moral philosophy with lively social observation, continuing an earlier style of reflective prose. The writings offer sustained reflections on virtue, duty, religion, and the motives that govern human behaviour, while also satirizing vanity, literary fashions, and the manners of urban life. Occasional pieces shift to lighter sketches and humorous anecdotes, portraying characters and incidents with vivid detail. Published as weekly miscellanies, the essays balance serious ethical argument with topical commentary and polite irony, aiming to instruct readers about conduct and taste while entertaining them with portraits of contemporary society.

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.