Samuel Johnson 
Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets [PDF ebook] 
With Critical Observations on Their Works

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. The Booksellers having determined to publish a body Of English Poetry, I was persuaded to promise them a preface to the works of each author; an undertaking, as it was then presented to my mind, not very ex’ tensive or difficult. My purpose was only to have allotted to every poet an advertisement, like those which we find in the French Miscellanies, contain ing a few dates and a general character; but I have been led beyond my intention, I hope by the honest desire of giving useful pleasure.