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Samuel Johnson

By Leslie Stephen
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About This Book

A life narrative traces early upbringing in a provincial cathedral town as son of a bookseller, chronic childhood illness and impaired eyesight, and the formation of temperament marked by hypochondria and obstinate pride. It follows his rise through essays and a monumental dictionary to become a dominant literary authority, his friendships and quarrels with contemporaries and patrons, including a famous rebuke to a noble patron, and his role as critic and stylist in literary circles. Closing chapters survey later years, personal decline, and a critical appraisal of his major writings, balancing personal anecdote with literary analysis.

About the Author

Stephen, Leslie portrait

Leslie Stephen

Leslie Stephen (1832-1904) was an English author, literary critic, and philosopher, known for his contributions to the study of English literature and society in the 18th century. He was a prominent figure in the Victorian literary scene and served as the first editor of the Dictionary of National Biography. His notable works include "Hours in a Library," a series of essays reflecting on various literary figures and themes, and "English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century," which explores the cultural context of the period. Stephen's writings often blend literary criticism with ethical considerations, making significant contributions to both literature and philosophy.

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