Showing results for "samuel johnson"

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Samuel Johnson

Book 1 -

The Works of Samuel Johnson

A brief essay on the life and genius of the prolific eighteenth-century English author, followed by a selection of his poetry, letters, and a novella.Under the pen name "Dr. Johnson," English writer Samuel Johnson was a biographer, essayist, lexicographer, literary critic, moralist, playwright, poet, and travel writer. The son of a bookseller, he made so many contributions to the English language that he is regarded as one of the greatest figures of eighteenth-cent...

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Samuel Johnson

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Literary Classics

Complete and unabridged, with 58 full-page plates by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Hubert Robert and Giovanni Paolo Panini. A prince kept all his life in a valley where every wish is granted escapes to find out what makes people happy, and reaches no conclusion at all. Johnson wrote it in the evenings of one week to pay for his mother's funeral, and never revised it. It is the most cheerful book ever written about the impossibility of contentment. Fifty-eight plates of classical ruins, capriccios,...

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Samuel Johnson

This volume contains a generous selection from the essays Johnson published twice weekly as 'The Rambler' in the early 1750s. It was here that he first created the literary character and forged the distinctive prose style that established him as a public figure. Also included here is the best of Johnson's later journalism, including essays from the periodicals 'The Adventurer' and 'The Idler'.

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Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary, published in 1755, marked a milestone in a language in desperate need of standards. No English dictionary before it had devoted so much space to everyday words, been so thorough in its definitions, or illustrated usage by quoting from Shakespeare and other great writers. Johnson's was the dictionary used by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, Wordsworth and Coleridge, the Brontës and the Brownings, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde. This new edition, edited by David Cr...

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Samuel Johnson

When the works of a great writer, who has bequeathed to posterity a lasting legacy, are presented to the world, it is naturally expected that some account of his life should accompany the edition. The reader wishes to know as much as possible of the author. The circumstances that attended him, the features of his private character, his conversation, and the means by which he arose to eminence, become the favourite objects of inquiry. Curiosity is excited; and the admirer of his works is ea...

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Samuel Johnson

In the Preface to Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson offers a profound exploration of the Bard's works, emphasizing their enduring relevance and the depth of human experience they encapsulate. Johnson argues that Shakespeare's genius lies in his ability to portray the complexities of human nature, capturing both the nobility and the flaws of his characters. He highlights the playwright's mastery of language and his skill in crafting memorable dialogues that resonate with audiences across generati...

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Samuel Johnson

"Notes to Shakespeare Volume 01: Comedies" by Samuel Johnson is a critical examination of William Shakespeare's comedic works. Johnson, a prominent literary figure, provides insightful commentary and analysis on the plays, exploring themes, character development, and the intricacies of Shakespeare's language. His notes serve as a guide for readers to better understand the context and significance of the comedies, highlighting the wit and humor that define Shakespeare's style. Johnson's sch...

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Samuel Johnson, Xavier Sutton

In his seminal work, "Preface to Shakespeare," Samuel Johnson offers a profound exploration of Shakespeare's plays, melding literary criticism with a rich historical context. Johnson's eloquent prose reflects the 18th-century Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason and human experience while simultaneously celebrating the complexities of Shakespeare's characters and themes. He deftly navigates the interplay between the moral implications of Shakespeare's narratives and the artistic libert...

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Samuel Johnson

A Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland by Samuel Johnson.

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Samuel Johnson

The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 10 is a significant collection that showcases the literary genius of one of the most influential figures in English literature. This volume includes a variety of Johnson's writings, reflecting his profound insights into human nature and society. His essays, critiques, and biographical sketches reveal his mastery of language and thought, making this work essential for anyone interested in the evolution of English prose. Johnson's ability to blend wi...

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Samuel Johnson

The works of samuel johnson ll d in nine volumes volume 05 is a scholarly collection of essays prefaces and treatises focusing on language lexicography and literary criticism. The volume presents detailed reflections on the development of English vocabulary and the intellectual effort required to standardize and document linguistic usage. A central focus is the creation of an English dictionary where the author examines the complexity of defining words establishing correct spelling and add...

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Samuel Johnson

The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Volume 11 is a significant collection that showcases the literary genius of one of the most influential figures in English literature. This volume includes a variety of Johnson's writings, reflecting his profound insights into human nature and society. Johnson's mastery of language and his ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner make this work a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers. His essays, critiques, and ...