The Cambridge Companion to Samuel Johnson

Description

This Companion provides a unique introduction and guide to the works and life of one of the key figures in English literary history. The source of endless familiar aphorisms, the compiler of the first great dictionary in English, the greatest of essayists, and one of the most distinctive characters and conversationalists in our literary culture, Johnson is here surveyed in his entirety. Chapters on the major works, his life, conversation, letters and critical reception appear alongside fresh thematic essays, a chronology and a guide to further reading.

'The Cambridge Companion to Samuel Johnson is not only an outstanding critical introduction to 'The Great Cham of Literature', it provides relevant background to the world in which he lived. There are notes appended to chapters and portraits and other illustrations, notably by Hogarth.' Library Association Record 'The Cambridge Companion to Samuel Johnson more than fulfils the goals which its sets for itself: it provides a comprehensive, interesting, and reliable introduction to Johnsonian studies.' The New Rambler 'The Cambridge Companion to Samuel Johnson is not only an outstanding critical introduction to 'The Great Cham of Literature', it provides relevant background to the world in which he lived. There are notes appended to chapters and portraits and other illustrations, notably by Hogarth.' Library Association Record