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Samuel Johnson's Selected Works: A Comprehensive Guide

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Samuel Johnson, 18th Century English Writer, Poet, And Critic Samuel Johnson: Selected Works Emily Organ

Samuel Johnson: Selected Works

by Emily Organ

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Samuel Johnson was one of the most influential literary figures of the 18th century. His works span a wide range of genres, from poetry and drama to biography and criticism. Johnson is best known for his monumental work, The Dictionary of the English Language, which was the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. He also wrote some of the most important literary criticism of the 18th century, including his Lives of the English Poets.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to some of Johnson's most important works. We will discuss the significance of each work, its major themes, and its impact on English literature.

The Dictionary of the English Language

The Dictionary of the English Language was published in 1755 and was the culmination of nine years of work by Johnson. The dictionary contained over 40,000 words and was the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Johnson's dictionary was a major achievement and had a profound impact on the English language. It standardized the spelling and pronunciation of English words and helped to establish the language as a global language.

The Lives of the English Poets

The Lives of the English Poets was published in 1779 and was a collection of biographies of some of the most important English poets. Johnson's biographies were insightful and critical and helped to establish the field of literary criticism. Johnson's Lives of the English Poets is still considered one of the most important works of literary criticism ever written.

Rasselas

Rasselas was published in 1759 and was a philosophical novel. The novel tells the story of a young prince who leaves his home in search of happiness. Rasselas travels to different countries and meets different people, but he eventually comes to realize that happiness is not to be found in the external world. Rasselas is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of happiness, freedom, and the meaning of life.

Samuel Johnson was one of the most important literary figures of the 18th century. His works span a wide range of genres and have had a profound impact on English literature. Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language standardized the spelling and pronunciation of English words and helped to establish the language as a global language. His Lives of the English Poets is still considered one of the most important works of literary criticism ever written. And his novel Rasselas is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the themes of happiness, freedom, and the meaning of life.

Samuel Johnson: Selected Works

by Emily Organ

4.8 out of 5