Contemporary Criticisms of Dr. Samuel Johnson, His Works, and His Biographers

Spittal, John Ker

ISBN 10: 1025574788 / ISBN 13: 9781025574783

Published by Tradd Street Press, 2026

Print on Demand. Seller Inventory # 407688489

Synopsis:

"Contemporary Criticisms of Dr. Samuel Johnson, His Works, and His Biographers" is an extensive collection of primary source materials that provides a direct look at the reception of one of the most influential figures in English literary history. This volume gathers a wealth of reviews, essays, and critiques from the 18th century, offering modern readers the opportunity to see Dr. Samuel Johnson through the eyes of his contemporaries.

The work focuses on the immediate critical reactions to Johnson's major literary achievements, including his "Dictionary of the English Language", "Rasselas", and "The Lives of the Poets". Beyond the analysis of his writings, the collection also examines the early biographical treatments of Johnson, most notably the accounts by James Boswell and Sir John Hawkins. By compiling these rare periodical reviews and personal assessments, the work illuminates the debates and controversies that shaped Johnson's reputation during his lifetime and shortly thereafter.

Valuable for scholars and enthusiasts of the Georgian era, this book preserves the vibrant intellectual discourse of the period. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the historical context of Johnsonian studies and the evolution of literary biography as a genre.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Contemporary Criticisms of Dr. Samuel ...
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Publication Date: 2026
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New