Samuel Johnson
- Born:
- September 18, 1709, Lichfield, Staffordshire, England
- Died:
- December 13, 1784, London, England
- Nationality:
- British (English)
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Lexicographer, Poet, Essayist, Literary Critic, Biographer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and Sarah Ford.
- Suffered from scrofula (tuberculosis of the lymph nodes) as a child, which affected his hearing and vision.
- Educated at Lichfield Grammar School and Stourbridge Grammar School.
- Attended Pembroke College, Oxford, but was unable to complete his degree due to lack of funds.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a schoolteacher and translator early in his career.
- Moved to London in 1737 and began writing for The Gentleman's Magazine.
- Published London, a satirical poem, in 1738.
- Best known for compiling A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755, which was a landmark achievement in lexicography. Many look to such historical figures for inspiration when creating modern english biography books.
- Wrote The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781), a collection of biographies and critical appraisals.
- Established a literary club, "The Club," with prominent members including Joshua Reynolds, Edmund Burke, and Oliver Goldsmith.
- Received a pension from King George III in 1762, providing him with financial security.
Notable Works
- London (1738) - Poem
- The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) - Poem
- A Dictionary of the English Language (1755) - Lexicographical Work
- Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (1759) - Philosophical Novel
- The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781) - Biographical and Critical Work
Legacy and Impact
Samuel Johnson is considered one of the most important figures in English literature. His Dictionary standardized the English language and his Lives of the Poets set a precedent for biographical writing and literary criticism. His wit, intellect, and moral integrity earned him immense respect and influence in his own time and continue to inspire readers and scholars today.