Samuel Johnson Books
September 18, 1709 – December 13, 1784
Samuel Johnson was a towering figure in English letters, renowned for his contributions as a poet, essayist, moralist, critic, and lexicographer. His penetrating insights into the human condition and his distinctive prose style have left an indelible mark on literature. Johnson's rigorous intellectual approach and profound moral compass are evident across his diverse body of work, which continues to shape literary discourse. He is celebrated not only for his foundational dictionary but also for his incisive critical evaluations and biographies of major poets, solidifying his legacy as a preeminent man of letters.
Lives of the English Poets; 1
- 420 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The Major Works
- 880 pages
- 31 hours of reading
This authoritative edition was formerly published in the acclaimed Oxford Authors series under the general editorship of Frank Kermode. It brings together a unique combination of Johnson's poetry and prose - all the major poems, complemented by essays, criticism, and fiction - to give the essence of his work and thinking.
A Grammar Of The English Tongue
- 66 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Focusing on the rules of English grammar and syntax, this comprehensive guide aims to enhance writing and speaking skills. It covers essential topics such as parts of speech, syntax, punctuation, and spelling, supplemented with examples and exercises for practice. Samuel Johnson's clear and straightforward writing style makes the content accessible, even for beginners. His prescriptive approach establishes rules for correct usage, and despite being over 250 years old, the book remains a valuable resource for understanding the English language and has influenced later grammar works.
The travel narrative captures Samuel Johnson's expedition through the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides alongside James Boswell. It vividly details their exploration of customs, landscapes, and the people they encountered, from bustling cities like Edinburgh to the remote islands of Skye and Mull. Johnson's keen observations reflect the rugged beauty of Scotland and the traditions of the Highlanders, while also engaging in discussions on Scottish history and society. His wit and intellectual insights make this work a significant cultural account of 18th-century Scotland.
The Complete English Poems
- 272 pages
- 10 hours of reading
This edition includes all Samuel Johnson's poems, a final version of "The Vanity of Human Wishes" and a first draft of this work contained in an appendix, as well as a selection from his Latin poems and from "Irene", his single attempt at verse drama.
A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and the Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Book by Samuel Johnson, published in 1775. The Journey was the result of a three-month trip to Scotland that Johnson took with James Boswell in 1773. It contains Johnson's descriptions of the customs, religion, education, trade, and agriculture of a society that was new to him. The account in Boswell's diary, published after Johnson's death as The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides, with Samuel Johnson, LL.D. (1785), offers an intimate personal record of Johnson's behavior and conversation during the trip.
The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Rasselas and his companions leave the 'happy valley' in search of 'the choice of life'. Johnson's philosophical tale considers such things as the nature of poetry, the stability of reason, the immortality of the soul, and the pursuit of happiness. This new edition relates the novel to Johnson's life and the political and social context.
Vathek (alternatively titled Vathek, an Arabian Tale or The History of the Caliph Vathek) is a Gothic novel written by William Beckford.
