Samuel Johnson, página 2 de 4

Samuel Johnsons Thoughts on Falklands Islands is a thought-provoking and insightful examination of the controversy surrounding the ownership of the Falkland Islands. Written in Johnsons signature eloquent and persuasive style, the book delves into the historical, political, and moral complexities of the British claim to the islands. Johnson skillfully weaves together arguments from various sources, including legal documents, eyewitness accounts, and philosophical treatises, to present a comprehensive analysis of the issue. The literary context of the book reflects Johnsons position as a prominent 18th-century writer and thinker, known for his essays, poetry, and influential dictionary. Thoughts on Falklands Islands stands as a testament to Johnsons intellectual prowess and deep engagement with contemporary political debates. Readers will find this book both enlightening and engaging, offering valuable insights into a little-known chapter of British colonial history and Johnsons unique perspective on international relations.

In "Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowley," Samuel Johnson presents a fascinating blend of biography and critical analysis, offering insights into the lives and works of three pivotal figures in English literature. Written in the 18th century during a time when literary criticism was emerging as a distinct field, Johnsons prose is characterized by its eloquent clarity and deep understanding of poetic form and context. This work exemplifies his method of intertwining personal anecdotes and historical context, allowing readers to appreciate not only the poets artistic contributions but their struggles and triumphs within the dynamic literary landscape of their time. Samuel Johnson, a preeminent literary figure and lexicographer, was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of the 17th century, particularly the metaphysical poets and the evolving narrative of English verse. His own experiences with adversity and the vibrant literary circles in which he moved informed his perceptive evaluations. Johnsons comprehensive background as an author, critic, and compiler of the dictionary provided him with the tools to dissect the complexities of poetic expression and authorial intention. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the foundations of English poetry and literary criticism. Johnsons incisive analysis and rich narrative style not only celebrate the talent of Waller, Milton, and Cowley but also invite readers to reflect on the enduring power of poetry. Readers seeking a deeper understanding of the societal and personal influences that shaped these poets will find Johnsons work both enlightening and compelling.

Rasselas, príncep del regne d’Abissínia, viu reclòs amb els seus germans i altres membres de la cort a la Vall Feliç, on gaudeix de totes les comoditats i tots els luxes possibles. Tanmateix, no pot

Telling how Rasselas and his companions escape from the bland pleasures of their perfectly happy valley in Abissinia to Egypt, to study how people live, the book is a parable and a pilgrimage in which all manner of subjects are discussed - flying machines, poetry, marriage, madness. Rasselas embodies Dr. Johnson's most powerful and heart-warming qualities: his tragic sense of life, his justice, his wisdom which is never boring or solemn, and his miraclous ability to balance humour with sympathy in weighing up some of life's more mysterious problems - what is happiness, and how can we find it?

Ed. & Intro.: Arthur Sherbo

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary, published in 1755, marked a milestone in a language in desperate need of standards. No English dictionary before it had devoted so much space to everyday words, been so thorough in its definitions, or illustrated usage by quoting from Shakespeare and other great writers. Johnson's was the dictionary used by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, Wordsworth and Coleridge, the Brontës and the Brownings, Thomas Hardy and Oscar Wilde. This new edition, edited by David Crystal, will contain a selection from the original, offering memorable passages on subjects ranging from books and critics to dreams and ethics.

En octubre de 1765 se publicó en ocho volúmenes la edición de las obras de William Shakespeare preparada por el ensayista, lexicógrafo y poeta Samuel Johnson (1709-1784). El "Prefacio" a esta magna hazaña editorial representa una de las maximas muestras de la ensayistica de todos los tiempos y traza una lectura ejemplar de Shakespeare, cuyas pautas siguen teniendo una asombrosa vigencia y pueden adaptarse de modo fructifero a cualquier tipo de exegesis literaria.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), often called "Dr. Johnson", was an English writer who made lasting contributions as a poet, playwright, essayist, moralist, literary critic, sermonist, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography calls him arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history.In his later life Johnson became a celebrity, and following his death he was increasingly seen to have had a lasting effect on literary criticism, even being claimed to be the one truly great critic of English literature.The Life of Abraham Cowley, which we propose to our readers today, is taken from the 1794 corrected edition of Samuel Johnsons monumental work The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets.Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) was an English poet and essayist born in the City of London late in 1618. He was one of the leading English poets of the 17th century, with 14 printings of his Works published between 1668 and 1721.

With his wit, eloquence and shrewd perception of contemporary morals, Samuel Johnson was the most versatile of Augustan writers. His dictionary, dramas and poetry established his reputation, but it was the essays published in The Rambler, The Adventurer and The Idler that demonstrated the range of his talent. Tackling ethical questions such as the importance of self-knowledge, awareness of mortality, the role of the novel, and, in a lighter vein, marriage, sleep and deceit, these brilliant and thought-provoking essays are a mirror of the time in which they were written and a testament to Johnson's stature as the leading man of letters of his age.