Brief Overview

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.

About Samuel Johnson

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-century literature.

Volume One of The Works of Samuel Johnson

The first of nine volumes, The Works of Samuel Johnson Volume One includes an essay on the life and genius of Samuel Johnson, followed by a collection of his poetry, including his “Drury Lane Prologue,” “On the Death of Mr. Robert Levet,” and “The Vanity of Human Wishes.” A selection of his personal correspondence is featured as well, along with his great satirical novella, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia.