Samuel Johnson’s ‘Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowley’ is a seminal work in literary criticism, focusing on detailed biographies of three prominent poets from the 17th century. Johnson’s insightful analysis delves into the lives and works of these poets, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their contributions to English literature. Written in a scholarly and informative style, the book showcases Johnson’s expertise in discussing the literary context and significance of each poet’s work, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars alike. Johnson’s attention to detail and his ability to draw connections between the poets’ lives and their poetry adds a layer of complexity to the text, enriching the reader’s appreciation for these literary figures. Samuel Johnson, a renowned literary scholar and critic of his time, was uniquely positioned to write this book, given his vast knowledge of English literature and his deep reverence for the art of poetry. His meticulous research and insightful commentary make ‘Lives of the English Poets’ a must-read for anyone interested in the history and development of English poetry.
About the author
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was an English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. Renowned for his sharp wit and robust social commentary, Johnson’s literary prowess was most aptly showcased in his ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ (1755), which was among the first comprehensive dictionaries of the English language and remained a standard reference for over a century. Johnson’s enduring influence on English literary criticism is epitomized in his work ‘Lives of the English Poets: Waller, Milton, Cowley’ (1781), an engaging series of short biographies that offer a rich assessment of the major poets of seventeenth-century England. Through this body of work, Johnson established the template for modern literary biography and criticism with his incisive analyses and commentary on the lives and works of poets such as Edmund Waller, John Milton, and Abraham Cowley. His biographies combined rigorous scholarship with an accessible style, a reflection of his belief that literature should not only instruct but also entertain. Johnson’s eloquence and literary judgments helped shape the canon of English literature and continue to be studied for their insight, depth, and wit.
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