English writer, poet, lexicographer, literary critic.
Born
September 18
1784
Died
December 13
1784
Introduction
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was a prominent English writer, critic, and lexicographer, notable for his major influence on English literature. He is best remembered for his "A Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1755, which set standards for modern dictionaries. Johnson was also a celebrated essayist and a prominent figure in the 18th-century literary community, often engaging with famous contemporaries like James Boswell, who wrote his biography, highlighting Johnson's intellect and wit.
Key Contributions
A Dictionary of the English Language, The History of Rasselas, The Rambler essays, The Vanity of Human Wishes.
Early life and education
Born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, Samuel Johnson was raised in a family with literary roots; his father, Michael Johnson, was a bookseller. Early on, Johnson faced health challenges, suffering from scrofula, which left him with permanent scars. Nevertheless, his impressive intelligence shone through from a young age. At three, his mother began his schooling by teaching him to memorize passages from the Book of Common Prayer. By six, he attended Lichfield Grammar School, showcasing talent in Latin and Greek, despite facing strict teaching methods. His upbringing was marred by financial issues and family challenges, firmly shaping his development. At nineteen, Johnson went on to Pembroke College, Oxford; there, he caught the attention of his tutors with his extensive knowledge, yet he left without a degree due to financial hardships, finding support from his father's bookstore and mentor Gilbert Walmesley.
Literary career and major works
Samuel Johnson's literary career was vast and influential in 18th-century English literature. He began with notable works like the poem London (1738), the tragedy Irene (1749), and his renowned poem The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749). The last one is especially famous for its reflections on the futility of human ambitions.
One of his most significant accomplishments is A Dictionary of the English Language (1755). This work wasn't just a collection of words; it offered detailed definitions, usage examples, and even word origins. This groundbreaking dictionary became the standard for English dictionaries to follow and is often recognized as one of the high points in English scholarship. It significantly boosted Johnson’s reputation as a lexicographer and scholar.
In addition to poetry and dictionary work, Johnson explored philosophical and fictional narratives, especially in The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759). Written swiftly to cover his mother’s funeral expenses, this novella addresses profound themes about happiness and human suffering. The story follows Rasselas, who escapes his artificial life in the Happy Valley to face the harsh realities of the world. This work not only gained immense popularity but also got translated into many languages; it had a lasting influence on literature.
Furthermore, Johnson made great strides in literary criticism and biography with his Lives of the Poets (1781). This collection presents biographical and critical essays on around fifty poets from the late 17th to 18th centuries. Each entry features a biography, character assessments, and critiques of literary works. What started as a brief preface grew into a comprehensive series of ten volumes connected with 56 volumes of the poets' works, solidifying Johnson’s role as a major literary critic.
He also famously contributed to several periodicals, including The Rambler, The Idler, and The Adventurer. His essays covered varied topics on morals, society, and literature, showing off his intellectual diversity.
In summary, Samuel Johnson's major works include A Dictionary of the English Language, The Vanity of Human Wishes, Rasselas, and Lives of the Poets. His writings profoundly impacted English literature and criticism, and his insightful observations are still appreciated today.
Personal life and relationships
In 1735, Samuel Johnson married Elizabeth "Tetty" Porter, a wealthy widow twenty years his senior. This marriage sparked controversy and faced opposition from both their families due to the age difference and Johnson's uncertain future. Tetty's fortune of £600 enabled Johnson to try opening a school, although this endeavor ultimately failed. He regarded their marriage as a true love match, even though they experienced strains and separations caused by financial struggles and his personal challenges. When Tetty passed away in 1752, just before Johnson completed his famous work, the Dictionary of the English Language, he was profoundly affected and chose not to remarry. Additionally, Johnson maintained strong friendships, particularly with the Thrale family, especially Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi, who played an important role as a patron and companion in his later years, revealing his complex character.
Later life and legacy
Samuel Johnson’s later life was marked by declining health and personal losses. After finishing The Lives of the Poets in 1781, he faced issues like chronic bronchitis and edema; a stroke in 1783 further impacted him. The loss of friends, notably Henry Thrale and Robert Levett, deepened his sadness. His emotional struggles increased with Mrs. Thrale’s remarriage, which affected him deeply. Although he feared death and judgment due to his strong Anglican beliefs, he found a sense of spiritual peace he called a “late conversion.” Johnson passed away on December 13, 1784, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. He became a literary celebrity, leaving a significant legacy as a poet, critic, lexicographer, and a key figure in 18th-century English literature, especially recognized for Lives of the Poets and his dictionary.
Influence on English literature
Samuel Johnson had a profound influence on English literature as a critic, lexicographer, poet, and biographer. His Lives of the Poets (1781) merged biography with literary criticism, giving detailed evaluations of key English poets from the late 17th to the 18th century; this work helped shape literary taste and improve the understanding of poetic achievement of his time. Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language (1755) was a transformative feat that standardized English vocabulary and usage, significantly impacting the language's development and its literature. His critical approach valued clarity, morality, and practicality while arguing for literature that accurately reflects human nature and social realities. Johnson's views on Shakespeare underscored realistic humanism by promoting faithful representations of life in drama; overall, his intellectual authority defined 18th-century literary norms and influences modern English literary studies.
Notable writings and contributions
Samuel Johnson, often called Dr. Johnson, was a prolific writer whose work shaped English literature. His most famous achievement is A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), a landmark volume that solidified his reputation in English scholarship. Johnson’s early poetic work, The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749), further enhanced his literary standing. He is also renowned for Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779–81), which blends biography, moral critique, and literary analysis, spotlighting poets like Milton, Dryden, and Pope. This approach brought a new dimension to literary criticism by separating a poet’s life from their art. Moreover, Johnson’s annotated edition of Shakespeare’s plays played a critical role in elevating Shakespeare's prominence in English literature. His essays and travel writings added variety to his impactful contributions.
Awards and honors
During his lifetime, Samuel Johnson did not receive any formal awards, as modern literary prizes weren't common in the 18th century. However, his influence is recognized today through various posthumous honors. One significant recognition is the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction, established in 1999, which honors exceptional non-fiction writing in English. This award, which was renamed the Baillie Gifford Prize in 2015, pays tribute to Johnson’s contributions to literature. Additionally, the prize covers various genres including biography, history, science, and the arts, reflecting Johnson's lasting impact on literary culture significantly beyond his time. His renowned works, such as Lives of the Poets (1781), remain essential in the fields of literary biography and criticism, contributing to his lasting legacy.
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