Samuel Johnson

'Samuel Johnson' by Leslie Stephen is a masterful exploration of the life and legacy of one of the most commanding figures in English literary history. Leslie Stephen, a renowned critic and historian, provides a sophisticated yet accessible account of Johnson’s path from a struggling scholar to the celebrated 'Great Cham of Literature.' This biography examines the profound depth of Johnson’s character, his unwavering moral integrity, and the intellectual rigor that defined his career.The narrative covers the breadth of Johnson’s significant works, from the Herculean effort of compiling his 'Dictionary of the English Language' to the philosophical depths of 'Rasselas' and the critical mastery of 'Lives of the Poets.' Stephen also illuminates the social world of 18th-century London, offering a window into the famous Literary Club and Johnson’s enduring influence on his contemporaries.Written with clarity and deep literary insight, 'Samuel Johnson' serves as both a compelling introduction to the man and a valuable contribution to the study of the Enlightenment. It remains a foundational text for understanding the evolution of English letters and the indomitable spirit of its subject.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.