Samuel Johnson

1709–1784

Samuel Johnson is probably the most famous a literary figure of 18th century Britain, but is better known as a critic, essayist, wit, and lexicographer (writer of dictionaries), than he is as a novelist or poet. He is somewhat unique among literary characters in that most of his fame rests on anecdotes that are told about him, and aphorisms for which he is quoted than on any particular literary work of his own. He is known to modern students mainly by way of Boswell's Life of Johnson, which was written by one of his colleagues and ably captures the spirit of the man. He is a particularly interesting historical character because in Boswell's biography, as well as in his own essays, he provides brilliant commentary on all that is going on around him, and gives wonderful insight into the politics, ideas, and characters of his age.

"THERE IS NO ARGUING WITH JOHNSON," SAID GOLDSMITH, "FOR WHEN HIS PISTOL MISFIRES HE KNOCKS YOU DOWN WITH THE BUTT END OF IT."

Johnson was the son of a poor bookseller. He attended Oxford, but could not afford to continue his studies beyond the first year. He tried his hand at teaching for a few years in his home town, but made very little money. He was not physically attractive or well-employed, but he did at this time end up marrying a widow who was considerably older than himself. The marriage worked out quite well, and provided stability during years when financial problems caused him no end of stress. Shortly after their marriage Johnson took up residence in London. There, he was able to find work writing, but not any work that paid him well. He was determined to write, no matter how little money he made doing it, however, and his wife was content with his miniscule and unsteady income.

He first gained a name for himself when in London by writing for The Gentleman's Magazine. At the time, no reporters were allowed in Parliament, so Johnson interviewed witnesses, and recreated the speeches that were made, often more eloquently than they were originally given. He also wrote essays, pamphlets, biographies, and anything else that he could get into print. He eventually contracted to write a comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language, which took him ten years. It was of such extraordinary quality that it brought him considerable fame within London literary circles, but still, very little money. By this time Johnson was very well known throughout London, and through the exertions of some of his friends and patrons, was provided with a government pension.

Johnson was not introduced to his biographer, Boswell, until the same year he was recognized with a government stipend. By then Johnson's eyesight was becoming poor, and his literary output declined somewhat, but he still provided very insightful commentary about a great many and varied topics. Johnson and Boswell toured Scotland a few years later and each wrote a book relating their impressions. Johnson actually became less irascible regarding politics in his old age, and was actually quoted as saying something positive about government before he died in 1784.

Key events during the life of Samuel Johnson:

Year	Event
1709	Born to a poor bookseller in Staffordshire.
1728	Entered Pembroke College at Oxford, but left after a year.
1734	Married a widow considerably older than himself.
1736	Established a private academy. Met David Garrick.
1737	Moved to London; began writing for The Gentleman's Magazine.
1745	Began work on his Dictionary of the English Language.
1755	Completed work on Dictionary.
1762	Received a pension from George III.
1763	Introduced to James Boswell.
1773	Embarked on a tour of Scotland with Boswell.
1784	Death of Samuel Johnson

Other Resources

Story Links	Book Links
Dr. Johnson and His Father  in	Thirty More Famous Stories Retold  by  James Baldwin
Johnson—Days of Struggle  in	English Literature for Boys and Girls  by  H. E. Marshall

Image Links
The stranger has stood a whole hour in the market place.'  in Thirty More Famous Stories Retold	'There is no arguing with Johnson,' said Goldsmith 'For when his pistol misses fire he knocks you down with the butt end of it.'  in English Literature for Boys and Girls

Contemporary	Short Biography
Oliver Goldsmith	Poet and novelist, best known for The Vicar of Wakefield
Boswell	Associate of Samuel Johnson who wrote his definitive biography.
David Garrick	Student of Samuel Johnson who became the most famous actor of his day.
George III	Monarch whose long reign encompassed Revolutionary, and Napoleonic Wars.
William Pitt	Statesman who masterminded the rise of the British Empire during the critical 18th century.
Edmund Burke	Very influential Political Philosopher, whose works are a basis of constitutional law.
Joshua Reynolds	Influential British painter of the 18th century.