Lives of the Poets, Volume 1

Name: Lives of the Poets, Volume 1
Author: Samuel Johnson

By Samuel Johnson

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About This Book

A series of biographical sketches and critical essays on major English poets presents each writer's career, principal works, and literary qualities, alongside evaluations of style, taste, and moral temper. Entries combine close reading with general judgments, noting strengths and weaknesses, comparing authors, and placing them in broader cultural and aesthetic contexts. The prose mixes moral reflection, pointed criticism, and occasional polemic, aiming to shape readers' appreciation and to articulate standards for poetic excellence and literary judgment.

About the Author

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an influential English writer and lexicographer, best known for his comprehensive dictionary, "A Dictionary of the English Language," which laid the groundwork for modern lexicography. His literary contributions span various genres, including poetry, essays, and biography. Johnson's works often reflect his keen insight into human nature and society, as seen in his notable titles such as "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" and "Lives of the English Poets." He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time, engaging with contemporaries like James Boswell, whose biography of Johnson remains a classic. His legacy endures in the realms of literature and language.