The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 08 / The Lives of the Poets, Volume II

Name: The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 08 / The Lives of the Poets, Volume II
Author: Samuel Johnson

By Samuel Johnson

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About This Book

This volume gathers biographical sketches and critical essays on a sequence of English poets, offering narratives of their origins, careers, and reputations alongside close readings of notable poems. The author mixes anecdote, moral judgment, and stylistic analysis to assess poetic merits, trace influences, and recount public reception. Entries range from concise portraits to extended critical commentary, paying particular attention to wit, taste, and technical craft. Throughout, the prose balances life details with evaluations of literary style, intention, and the social contexts that shaped each poet's work.

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.