The Samuel Johnson Encyclopedia

Samuel Johnson was one of the most important literary figures of the 18th century, which was sometimes known as the age of Johnson. He authored a pioneering dictionary of the English language, edited Shakespeare, composed poetry and drama, and wrote numerous prose works on moral, philosophical, religious, political and domestic concerns. This encyclopaedia is a guide to Johnson and his milieu. The volume contains more than 650 alphabetically arranged entries on aspects of Johnson’s life, career and personality. It describes each of his works in detail, examining such matters as composition, publication and reception. It provides up-to-date accounts of his attitude on key themes and concepts, and explores his central ideas on literary, moral, political, social and religious questions. It provides biographies of all the persons with whom Johnson had any sort of real contact, ranging from his close friends in the world of the arts and publishing, to his domestic intimates and servants, his extended family and even his cat. A full system of cross-referencing allows the reader to locate subjects and entries with ease. This aid should enable students and readers of Johnson to locate facts about him quickly and easily.