Samuel Johnson

First published in 1878, this biography explores the life of Samuel Johnson (1709–84), the English poet and lexicographer.

First published in 1878, this biography by Sir Leslie Stephen explores the life of Samuel Johnson (1709–84), the English poet and lexicographer. Discussing his childhood, his career as a writer and literary critic, and his works, it paints a portrait of one of English literature's most extraordinary intellects.The English poet, literary critic, biographer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson (1709–84) is perhaps most famous for his Dictionary of the English Language and the influential Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, and is often considered the most distinguished man of letters in English history. First published in 1878 in the first series of 'English Men of Letters', this biography by the eminent critic Sir Leslie Stephen traces Johnson's life from his childhood to his career as a writer and literary critic, and concludes with an overview of his works. Stephen describes Johnson's style as one of 'masculine directness', reflecting a life blighted by experiences of poverty and disease, and a desire to escape from pain. Painting a striking portrait of one of the most vigorous intellects of the eighteenth century, this work remains of interest to literary scholars today.