Samuel Johnson's Writings

Samuel Johnson was the leading "man of letters" of the 18th century, one of the most learned individuals of his age whose influence on the English language is still felt. His popularity during his lifetime can hardly be underestimated, and James Boswell's massive biography of Johnson was meant to satisfy the huge interest in getting to know the man behind the literary giant. Boswell reveals how Johnson's profound understanding of human nature, something that is immediately apparent in the Rambler and the Idler, is part of his deeply held Christian faith. Today Johnson is hardly read except indirectly through Boswell's quotations of Johnson's conversation and letters in his biography of Johnson. For modern readers Johnson is a bit challenging but the value of his company more than repays the effort.