Here is a detailed biography of Samuel Johnson, a prominent figure in 18th-century English literature and known for his contributions to the English language and literary criticism.
Samuel Johnson was born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. He was the son of Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and Sarah Ford. From a young age, Johnson displayed remarkable intellectual abilities but faced significant challenges due to his family's modest financial circumstances. When he was three, he developed scrofula, a disease that left him with facial scars and partial blindness in one eye.
Despite these hardships, Johnson's thirst for knowledge was evident. He attended the Lichfield Grammar School and displayed a precocious talent for Latin and Greek. His early reading of Shakespeare and other literary works ignited his passion for literature.
At the age of 17, he enrolled at Pembroke College, Oxford, but had to leave after only a year due to a lack of funds. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong struggle with poverty.
After leaving Oxford, Johnson worked as a teacher and later as an usher at a school in Market Bosworth. In 1735, he married Elizabeth "Tetty" Porter, a widow nearly 20 years his senior. This union was not without challenges, as Johnson struggled to make a living as a writer and lacked financial stability.
During this period, Johnson also tried his hand at various literary genres, including poetry, but found little success. He famously remarked that, "I was determined to help my father, and I wrote in this distress, not in the expectation of much success in my journey."
In 1737, Samuel Johnson relocated to London, where he would spend most of his life. This move was driven by his desire to establish himself in the literary world and find better opportunities. London provided him with access to intellectual circles and opportunities to write for various publications.
Johnson's reputation as a writer grew steadily. He published essays and reviews for "The Gentleman's Magazine" and began working on his "Dictionary of the English Language." This monumental lexicographical project would occupy a significant portion of his life.
Despite his growing prominence as a writer, Johnson continued to grapple with financial difficulties, often relying on the patronage of individuals who recognized his literary talent.
Samuel Johnson's most significant and enduring achievement during this period was the publication of "A Dictionary of the English Language" in 1755. This ambitious project took him nearly nine years to complete and established him as a foremost lexicographer. The dictionary was celebrated for its thoroughness and meticulous definitions, setting the standard for future dictionaries.
In addition to his lexicographical work, Johnson produced some of his most influential literary essays during this time, contributing to "The Rambler" and "The Adventurer." His essays covered a wide range of topics, from morality to literature, and showcased his keen wit and critical thinking.
Johnson was not just a writer; he was also a central figure in London's literary society. He founded "The Literary Club" in 1764, which included luminaries like Joshua Reynolds, Edmund Burke, and David Garrick. This club became a forum for intellectual discussion and friendship, and Johnson's wit and wisdom were its heart.
One of Johnson's most celebrated works, "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" (1775), reflects his passion for travel and his unique style of travel writing. It offers a vivid account of his journey through Scotland, combining observations on landscape, culture, and history.
In 1762, Johnson received a government pension, which eased some of his financial struggles. However, his literary output continued unabated. He authored the essay series "The Idler" and a biography of his friend and poet Richard Savage.
Perhaps his most famous literary achievement in this period was his critical edition of William Shakespeare's works, published in 1765. Johnson's prefaces and annotations provided valuable insights into the Bard's genius and influenced the study of Shakespearean literature for generations.
Johnson's later years were marked by personal loss, including the deaths of his wife and several close friends. He also experienced declining health. On December 13, 1784, Samuel Johnson passed away at the age of 75 in London.
Samuel Johnson's legacy endures through his monumental contributions to the English language, literature, and literary criticism. His "Dictionary of the English Language" remains a testament to his dedication and scholarship. His essays and critical writings continue to be studied for their insights into human nature and society. Johnson's influence on the development of the English language and literary criticism is immeasurable, making him one of the most significant figures in English literary history.
