Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was an eminent English writer, lexicographer, and critic born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. Johnson's early life was marked by health problems and financial difficulties, yet he displayed remarkable intellect and a voracious appetite for learning. He attended Pembroke College, Oxford, but financial constraints forced him to leave without a degree.
In 1737, Johnson moved to London where he worked as a writer and made significant contributions to English literature. He is perhaps best known for his monumental work, "A Dictionary of the English Language," published in 1755, which was one of the most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. This magnum opus established Johnson's reputation as a leading literary figure and earned him widespread acclaim.
Beyond lexicography, Johnson wrote essays, poetry, and sermons. His other notable works include the satirical novel "The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia" (1759) and the critical evaluation, "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" (1779-1781). Johnson's powerful, incisive criticism and command of the English language won him many admirers, including his loyal biographer, James Boswell.
Samuel Johnson's wit, scholarship, and contributions to English literature and language endure. He passed away on December 13, 1784, in London, leaving an indelible mark on Western literary tradition.