Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was an English writer, lexicographer, and literary critic whose profound influence on English literature and language endures to this day. Born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, Johnson overcame early adversity, including childhood illness and financial struggles, to become one of the most celebrated intellectuals of his time.

Educated briefly at Pembroke College, Oxford, Johnson left due to financial constraints but continued to educate himself through voracious reading and self-discipline. He moved to London in 1737, where he began his literary career by writing essays, poems, and biographies. His groundbreaking work, A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), was a monumental achievement that set the standard for future lexicographers and remained the authoritative English dictionary for over a century.

Johnson's essays in The Rambler and The Idler reveal his keen insights into human nature, morality, and society. His wit, wisdom, and unmatched command of language solidified his reputation as a literary giant. In addition to his essays and criticism, Johnson penned Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia (1759), a philosophical tale exploring the pursuit of happiness and the human condition.

Renowned for his conversational brilliance, Johnson's wit and sharp intellect were immortalized by his friend and biographer James Boswell in The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), widely regarded as one of the greatest biographies in English literature. Johnson was also a devout Anglican, whose deep religious convictions informed much of his work and character.

Despite struggling with physical ailments and periods of melancholy throughout his life, Johnson maintained a remarkable work ethic and an enduring curiosity about the world. He was deeply generous, offering support to struggling writers and friends. Samuel Johnson's legacy as a literary critic, moralist, and lexicographer remains a cornerstone of English cultural history, celebrated for his contributions to literature and thought.