√ Century of Experience Evidence Name of Reader / Listener / Reading Group Author of Text Title of Text Form of Text 1700-1799 "Samuel Johnson ... annotated a copy of a religious work in 1755 so he could exchange views with a woman he loved, Hill Boothby." Samuel Johnson religious work Print : Unknown1700-1799 Sir Henry Ellis to John Wilson Croker, from the British Museum, 29 October 1829:
'I understand from Mr. Murray that you are engaged [as editor] upon a "Life of Dr. Joh... Samuel Johnson Horace Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson said, I might see the subject [a controversy about the Church of Scotland] well treated in the "Defence of Pluralities".' Samuel Johnson Henry Wharton Defence of Pluralities, A Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Letter from Boswell to Johnson] Your critical notes on the specimen of Lord Hailes's "Annals of Scotland" are excellent. I agreed with you on every one of them. He him... Samuel Johnson David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes Annals of Scotland Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 'He [Johnson] attacked Lord Monboddo's strange speculation on the primitive state of human nature; observing, "Sir, it is all conjecture about a thing useless, even were ... Samuel Johnson James Burnett, Lord Monboddo Of the Origin and Progress of Language Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter to George Steevens] I thank you for "Neander", but wish he were not so fine. I will take care of him'.
Samuel Johnson Joachim Neander [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter to Boswell] Dr. Webster's informations were much less exact and much less determinate than I expected: they are, indeed, much less positive than,
if he can trus... Samuel Johnson Alexander Webster [census of Scotland] Manuscript : Codex1700-1799 'He was first taught to read English by Dame Oliver, a widow, who kept a school for young children in Lichfield. He told me she could read the black letter, and asked him... Samuel Johnson [reading lessons] Print : Book1700-1799 'When he [Johnson] was a child in petticoats, and had learnt to read, Mrs Johnson one morning put the common prayer-book into his hands, pointed to the collect for the da... Samuel Johnson Book of Common Prayer [collect for the day] Print : Book1700-1799 'Dr Percy, the Bishop of Dromore, who was long intimately acquainted with him, and has preserved a few anecdotes concerning him, regretting that he was not a more diligen... Samuel Johnson [romances of chivalry] Print : Book1700-1799 'Dr Percy, the Bishop of Dromore, who was long intimately acquainted with him, and has preserved a few anecdotes concerning him, regretting that he was not a more diligen... Samuel Johnson Melchor de Ortega Felixmarte de Hircania Print : Book1700-1799 'he read a great deal in a desultory manner, without any scheme of study, as chance threw books in his way, and inclination directed him through them. He used to mention ... Samuel Johnson Petrarch [works] Print : Book1700-1799 'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, ... Samuel Johnson [various works of classics and literature] Print : Book1700-1799 'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, ... Samuel Johnson Anacreon Print : Book1700-1799 'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, ... Samuel Johnson Hesiod Print : Book1700-1799 'His figure and manner appeared strange to them [the company on the night of Johnson's arrival in Oxford]; but he behaved modestly, and sat silent, till upon something wh... Samuel Johnson Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobius Print : Book1700-1799 'Having given such a specimen of his poetical powers, he was asked by Mr Jorden to translate Pope's Messiah into Latin verse, as a Christmas exercise. He performed it wit... Samuel Johnson Alexander Pope Messiah. A Sacred Eclogue, in Imitation of Virgil'... Print : Book1700-1799 '"Sunday (said he) was a heavy day to me when I was a boy. My mother confined me on that day, and made me read "The Whole Duty of Man", from a great part of which I could... Samuel Johnson Richard Allestree Whole Duty of Man, The Print : Book1700-1799 '"The church in Lichfield, in which we had a seat, wanted reparation, so I was to go and find a seat in other churches; and having bad eyes, and being awkward about this,... Samuel Johnson Print : Book1700-1799 '"When at Oxford, I took up Law's "Serious Call to a Holy Life", expecting to find it a dull book (as such books generally are), and perhaps to laugh at it. But I found L... Samuel Johnson William Law Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, A Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Euripides [Tragedies] Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Virgil Georgics Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Virgil Aeneid Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Horace Ars Poetica Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Theocritus Print : Book1700-1799 'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to com... Samuel Johnson Juvenal Tenth Satire Print : Book1700-1799 '[referring to his translation of Lobo's "Voyage to Abyssinia"] Johnson upon this exerted the powers of his mind, though his body was relaxed. He lay in bed with the book... Samuel Johnson Jeronimo Lobo Voyage to Abyssinia , A Print : Book1700-1799 'Mr Peter Garrick, the elder brother of David, told me that he remembered Johnson's borrowing the "Turkish History" of him, in order to form his play from it'. Samuel Johnson [Turkish History] Print : Book1700-1799 '"The Gentleman's Magazine", begun and carried on by Mr Edward Cave , under the name of SYLVANUS URBAN, had attracted the notice and esteem of Johnson, in an eminent degr... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Gentleman's Magazine, The Print : Serial / periodical1700-1799 'Mr Peter Garrick told me, that Johnson and he went together to the Fountain tavern, and read it over, and that he afterwards solicited Mr Fleetwood, the patentee of Drur... Samuel Johnson Samuel Johnson Irene Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 'I have read the Italian - nothing in it is well' Samuel Johnson [unknown] ['The Italian' - unknown text] Unknown 1700-1799 'Tom Birch is as brisk as a bee in conversation; but no sooner does he take a pen in his hand, than it becomes a torpedo to him, and benumbs all his faculties'. Samuel Johnson Thomas Birch [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'The authorities [for the definitions in Johnson's Dictionary] were copied from the books themselves, in which he had marked the passages with a black lead pencil, the tr... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [sources for his Dictionary] Print : Book1700-1799 '[thanking Warton for a book he has sent ] You have shewn to all, who shall hereafter attempt the study of our ancient authors, the way to success; by directing them to t... Samuel Johnson Thomas Warton Observations on the Faerie Queene of Spenser Print : Book1700-1799 'Here was an excellent library; particularly, a valuable collection of books in Northern literature, with which Johnson was often very busy. One day Mr Wise read to us a ... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [books of Northern literature] Print : Book1700-1799 'There is an old English and Latin book of poems by Barclay, called "The Ship of Fools"; at the end of which are a number of [italics] Eglogues [end italics]; so he write... Samuel Johnson Alexander Barclay Ship of Fools, The Print : Book1700-1799 'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxurianc... Samuel Johnson Elizabeth Harrison Miscellanies Print : Book1700-1799 'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxurianc... Samuel Johnson Elizabeth Rowe [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxurianc... Samuel Johnson Isaac Watts [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 '[according to Thomas Campbell] he begged of me that when I returned to Ireland, I would endeavour to procure for him a poem of Dr Madden's called "Boulter's Monument". T... Samuel Johnson Samuel Madden Boulter's Monument Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 'This Tale ["Rasselas"], with all the charms of oriental imagery, and all the force and beauty of which the English language is capable, leads us through the most importa... Samuel Johnson Voltaire [pseud.] Candide: Or, All for the Best Print : Book1850-1899 'Her [Mrs Sheridan's] novel, entitled "Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph", contains an excellent moral, while it inculcates a future state of retribution; and what it teac... Samuel Johnson Frances Sheridan Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph, The Print : Book1850-1899 'Sir, this book ("The Elements of Criticism", which he had taken up,) is a pretty essay, and deserves to be held in some estimation, though much of it is chimerical'. Samuel Johnson Henry Home, Lord Kames Elements of Criticism Print : Book1850-1899 'At this time the controversy concerning the pieces published by Mr James Macpherson as translations of [italics] Ossian [end italics], was at its height. Johnson had all... Samuel Johnson James Macpherson Fragments of Ancient Poetry collected in the Highl... Print : Book1850-1899 'His [Colley Cibber's] friends gave out that he [italics] intended [end italics] his birth-day "Odes" should be bad: but that was not the case, Sir; for he kept them many... Samuel Johnson Colley Cibber [Odes] Manuscript : Unknown1850-1899 '"Cibber's familiar style, however, was better than that which Whitehead has assumed. [italics] Grand [end italics] nonsense is insupportable. Whitehead is but a little m... Samuel Johnson William Whitehead [poem on Garrick] Print : Unknown1850-1899 'Sir, I do not think Gray a first-rate poet. He has not a bold imagination, nor much command of words. The obscurity in which he has involved himself will not persuade us... Samuel Johnson Thomas Gray Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard Print : Unknown1850-1899 'Dr John Campbell, the celebrated political and biographical writer, being mentioned, Johnson said, "Campbell is a man of much knowledge, and has a good share of imaginat... Samuel Johnson John Campbell Hermippus Redivivus: Or, the Sage's Triumph Over O... Print : Book1850-1899 'He talked very contemptuously of Churchill's poetry, observing, that "it had a temporary currency, only from its audacity of abuse, and being filled with living names, a... Samuel Johnson Charles Churchill [unknown] Print : Book1850-1899 'Bonnell Thornton had just published a burlesque "Ode on St. Cecilia's day, adapted to the ancient British music, viz. the salt-box, the jews- harp, the marrow-bones and ... Samuel Johnson Bonnell Thornton Ode on St. Cecilia's day, adapted to the ancient B... Print : Unknown1850-1899 I mentioned the periodical paper called "The Connoisseur." He said it wanted matter. No doubt it has not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But surely it has just v... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Connoisseur, The Print : Serial / periodical1850-1899 I mentioned the periodical paper called "The Connoisseur." He said it wanted matter. No doubt it has not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But surely it has just v... Samuel Johnson [n/a] World, The Print : Serial / periodical1700-1799 'On Tuesday the 5th of July, I again visited Johnson. He told me he had looked into the poems of a pretty voluminous writer, Mr. (now Dr.) John Ogilvie, one of the Presby... Samuel Johnson John Ogilvie [poems] Print : Book1700-1799 '"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most."
Talking of the eminent writer... Samuel Johnson Pierre Bayle Historical and Critical Dictionary Print : Book1700-1799 '"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most."
Talking of the eminent writer... Samuel Johnson John Arbuthnot [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 '"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most."
Talking of the eminent writer... Samuel Johnson Joseph Addison [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'On Tuesday, July 18, I found tall Sir Thomas Robinson sitting with Johnson. Sir Thomas said, that the King of Prussia valued himself upon three things;—upon being a hero... Samuel Johnson Frederick II King of Prussia [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'The conversation now turned upon Mr. David Hume's style. Johnson. "Why, Sir, his style is not English; the structure of his sentences is French. Now the French structure... Samuel Johnson David Hume [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said] "Hume, and other sceptical innovators, are vain men, and will gratify themselves at any expence. Truth will not afford sufficient food to their vanity; s... Samuel Johnson David Hume Enquiry concerning Human Understanding Print : Book1700-1799 '[Johnson said] "Sir, in my early years I read very hard. It is a sad reflection, but a true one, that I knew almost as much at eighteen as I do now. My judgment, to be s... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'He said, Dr. Joseph Warton was a very agreeable man, and his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope," a very pleasing book. I wondered that he delayed so long to give... Samuel Johnson Joseph Warton Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope Print : Book1700-1799 'He told me, that his father had put Martin's account of those islands into his hands when he was very young, and that he was highly pleased with it; that he was particul... Samuel Johnson Martin Martin Description of the Western Islands of Scotland Print : Book1700-1799 'On Thursday, July 28, we again supped in private at the Turk's Head coffee-house. Johnson. "Swift has a higher reputation than he deserves. His excellence is strong sens... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift Tale of a Tub, A Print : Book1700-1799 'On Thursday, July 28, we again supped in private at the Turk's Head coffee-house. Johnson. "Swift has a higher reputation than he deserves. His excellence is strong sens... Samuel Johnson James Thomson [poems] Print : Book1700-1799 'Buchanan, he said, was a very fine poet; and observed that he was the first who complimented a lady, by ascribing to her the different perfections of the heathen goddess... Samuel Johnson George Buchanan Nympha Caledoniae Print : Book1700-1799 'He had in his pocket, "Pomponius Mela de Situ Orbis," in which he read occasionally, and seemed very intent upon ancient geography.'
Samuel Johnson Pomponius Mela De situ orbis Print : Book1700-1799 'He talked of Mr. Blacklock's poetry, so far as it was descriptive of visible objects; and observed, that "as its author had the misfortune to be blind, we may be absolut... Samuel Johnson Thomas Blacklock [poems] Print : Book1700-1799 'He said of Goldsmith's "Traveller," which had been published in my absence, "There has not been so fine a poem since Pope's time".'
Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith Traveller, The Print : Unknown1700-1799 'His Majesty having observed to him that he supposed he must have read a great deal; Johnson answered, that he thought more than he read; that he had read a great deal in... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'His Majesty then talked of the controversy between Warburton and Lowth, which he seemed to have read, and asked Johnson what he thought of it. Johnson answered, "Warburt... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [Lowth-Warburton controversy] Print : Unknown1700-1799 'His Majesty then talked of the controversy between Warburton and Lowth, which he seemed to have read, and asked Johnson what he thought of it. Johnson answered, "Warburt... Samuel Johnson George, Lord Lyttelton History of the Life of Henry the Second Print : Book1700-1799 'The King then asked him what he thought of Dr. Hill. Johnson answered, he was an ingenious man, but had no veracity; and immediately mentioned, as an instance of it, an ... Samuel Johnson Dr Hill [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Monthly Review Print : Serial / periodical1700-1799 'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Critical Review Print : Serial / periodical1700-1799 'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Print : Serial / periodical1700-1799 '"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference... Samuel Johnson Henry Fielding [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 '"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference... Samuel Johnson Samuel Richardson [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'He [Dr Johnson] said, "Macaulay, who writes the account of St. Kilda, set out with a prejudice against prejudice, and wanted to be a smart modern thinker; and yet he aff... Samuel Johnson Kenneth Macaulay History of St Kilda Print : Book1700-1799 'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never... Samuel Johnson David Hume History of England Print : Book1700-1799 'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never... Samuel Johnson Voltaire [books of history] Print : Book1700-1799 'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never... Samuel Johnson Henry Home, Lord Kames Elements of Criticism Print : Book1700-1799 'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never... Samuel Johnson William Robertson History of Scotland Print : Book1700-1799 'He praised Signor Baretti. "His account of Italy is a very entertaining book; and, Sir, I know no man who carries his head higher in conversation than Baretti. There are... Samuel Johnson Joseph Baretti Account of the Manners and Customs of Italy; with ... Print : Book1700-1799 'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing ... Samuel Johnson James Thomson [poetry] Print : Book1700-1799 'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing ... Samuel Johnson James Thomson [letters to his sisters and accounts by them of hi... Manuscript : Letter1700-1799 'Swift having been mentioned, Johnson, as usual, treated him with little respect as an author. Some of us endeavoured to support the Dean of St. Patrick's, by various arg... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift The Conduct of the Allies, and of the Late Ministr... Print : Pamphlet1700-1799 'Many years ago, when I used to read in the library of your College, I promised to recompence the college for that permission, by adding to their books a Baskerville's 'V... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Mrs. Thrale disputed with him on the merit of Prior. He attacked him powerfully ; said he wrote of love like a man who had never felt it: his love verses were college ve... Samuel Johnson Matthew Prior Alexis shunn'd his fellow swains Print : Unknown1700-1799 'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his for... Samuel Johnson Alexander Pope Dunciad, The Print : Book1700-1799 'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his for... Samuel Johnson Alexander Pope Pastorals Print : Book1700-1799 'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his for... Samuel Johnson William Congreve Mourning Bride, The Print : Book1700-1799 'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his for... Samuel Johnson John Dryden Absalom and Achitophel Print : Book1700-1799 'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his for... Samuel Johnson William Shakespeare [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Mrs. Montague, a lady distinguished for having written an Essay on Shakspeare [sic], being mentioned:—Reynolds. "I think that essay does her honour." Johnson. "Yes, Sir;... Samuel Johnson Elizabeth Montagu Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear Print : Unknown1700-1799 'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old thin... Samuel Johnson Henry Home, Lord Kames Elements of Criticism Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old thin... Samuel Johnson Edmund Burke Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of our Ideas... Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old thin... Samuel Johnson Jean-Baptiste Dubos [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old thin... Samuel Johnson Dominique Bouhours [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old thin... Samuel Johnson William Shakespeare Macbeth Print : Book1700-1799 'The ballad of Hardyknute has no great merit, if it be really ancient. People talk of nature. But mere obvious nature may be exhibited with very little power of mind.'
... Samuel Johnson Elizabeth, Lady Wardlaw Hardyknute Print : Unknown1700-1799 'Boswell. "You have read his [Cibber's] apology, Sir ?" Johnson. "Yes, it is very entertaining. But as for Cibber himself, taking from his conversation all that he ought ... Samuel Johnson Colley Cibber Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber Print : Book1700-1799 'Buchanan (he observed,) has fewer [italics] centos [end italics] than any modern Latin poet. He not only had great knowledge of the Latin language, but was a great poeti... Samuel Johnson George Buchanan [poems] Print : Book1700-1799 'Boswell. "What do you think of Dr. Young's 'Night Thoughts,' Sir?" Johnson. "Why, Sir, there are many fine things in them".'
Samuel Johnson Edward Young Night Thoughts Print : Book1700-1799 '"The London Chronicle", which was the only newspaper he constantly took in, being brought, the office of reading it aloud was assigned to me. I was diverted by his impat... Samuel Johnson [n/a] London Chronicle Print : Newspaper1700-1799 '[Boswell having expressed doubt about the power of prayer, Johnson] mentioned Dr. Clarke and Bishop Bramhall on "Liberty and Necessity", and bid me read South's "Sermons... Samuel Johnson John Bramhall Discourse of Liberty and Necessity Print : Book1700-1799 '[Boswell having expressed doubt about the power of prayer, Johnson] mentioned Dr. Clarke and Bishop Bramhall on "Liberty and Necessity", and bid me read South's "Sermons... Samuel Johnson South Sermons on Prayer Print : Book1700-1799 '[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus"... Samuel Johnson Walter Harte History of the life of Gustavus Adolphus, King of ... Print : Book1700-1799 '[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus"... Samuel Johnson [unknown] ['black letter', ie gothic text books - medieval t... Print : Book1700-1799 '[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus"... Samuel Johnson Robert Burton Anatomy of Melancholy, The Print : Book1700-1799 '[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London-based priest friend of Johnson] He much commended Law's "Serious Call", which he said was the finest piece of hortatory t... Samuel Johnson William Law Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life Print : Book1700-1799 'Of Dr. Priestley's theological works, he remarked, that they tended to unsettle every thing, and yet settled nothing.' [account by Dr Maxwell, and Irish London priest fr... Samuel Johnson Joseph Priestley [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Speaking of the French novels, compared with Richardson's, he said, they might be pretty baubles, but a wren was not an eagle'. [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London p... Samuel Johnson Samuel Richardson [novels] Print : Book1700-1799 'Speaking of the French novels, compared with Richardson's, he said, they might be pretty baubles, but a wren was not an eagle'. [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London p... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [French novels] Print : Book1700-1799 'Lord Lyttelton's Dialogues he deemed a nugatory performance. "That man, (said he,) sat down to write a book, to tell the world what the world had all his life been telli... Samuel Johnson George, first Lord Lyttelton Dialogues of the Dead Print : Book1700-1799 'The poem of "Fingal", he said, was a mere unconnected rhapsody, a tiresome repetition of the same images. "In vain shall we look for the [italics] lucidus ordo [end ital... Samuel Johnson James MacPherson 'Fingal: An Ancient Epic Poem' [from Poems of Ossi... Print : Book1700-1799 'Speaking of Boetius, who was the favourite writer of the middle ages, he said it was very surprising, that upon such a subject, and in such a situation, he should be [it... Samuel Johnson Boethius [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Speaking of Arthur Murphy, whom he very much loved, "I don't know (said he) that Arthur can be classed with the very first dramatick writers; yet at present I doubt much... Samuel Johnson Arthur Murphy [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Speaking of Homer, whom he venerated as the prince of poets, Johnson remarked that the advice given to Diomed by his father, when he sent him to the Trojan war, was the ... Samuel Johnson Homer Iliad Print : Book1700-1799 'I was last night at the Club. Dr. Percy has written a long ballad in many [italics] fits [end italics]; it is pretty enough. He has printed, and will soon publish it.' Samuel Johnson Thomas Percy Hermit of Warkworth, The Print : Unknown1700-1799 He had said in the morning that "Macaulay's 'History of St. Kilda' was very well written, except some foppery about liberty and slavery. I mentioned to him that Macaulay ... Samuel Johnson Kenneth Macaulay History of St Kilda Print : Book1700-1799 'I then reminded him of the schoolmaster's cause [a legal case on corporal punisment that Boswell was defending], and proposed to read to him the printed papers concernin... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [legal case papers] Print : Unknown1700-1799 'The Swede [Mr Kristrom] went away, and Mr. Johnson continued his reading of the papers. I said, "I am afraid, Sir, it is troublesome to you." "Why, Sir (said he), I do n... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [legal case papers] Print : Unknown1700-1799 'What philosophy suggests to us on this topick [the possibility of life after death] is probable: what Scripture tells us is certain. Dr. Henry More has carried it as far... Samuel Johnson Henry More [theological works] Print : Book1700-1799 'Boswell. "I do not know whether there are any well attested stories of the appearance of ghosts. You know there is a famous story of the appearance of Mrs. Veal, prefixe... Samuel Johnson Charles Drelincourt Christians Defense against the Fears of Death Print : Book1700-1799 '[Johnson said] "I see they have published a splendid edition of Akenside's works. One bad ode may be suffered; but a number of them together makes one sick." Boswell. "A... Samuel Johnson Mark Akenside Pleasures of Imagination, The Print : Book1700-1799 'He [Dr Johnson] said, "Goldsmith's 'Life of Parnell' is poor; not that it is poorly written, but that he had poor materials; for nobody can write the life of a man but t... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith Life of Parnell Print : Book1700-1799 'He censured Ruffhead's "Life of Pope"; -and said, "he knew nothing of Pope, and nothing of poetry." He praised Dr. Joseph Warton's "Essay on Pope"; but said, he supposed... Samuel Johnson Owen Ruffhead Life of Alexander Pope Print : Book1700-1799 'He censured Ruffhead's "Life of Pope"; -and said, "he knew nothing of Pope, and nothing of poetry." He praised Dr. Joseph Warton's "Essay on Pope"; but said, he supposed... Samuel Johnson Joseph Warton Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope Print : Book1700-1799 'The conversation now turned on critical subjects. Johnson. "Bayes, in 'The Rehearsal', is a mighty silly character. If it was intended to be like a particular man, it co... Samuel Johnson George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal, The Print : Book1700-1799 'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being... Samuel Johnson Henry Fielding Tom Jones Print : Book1700-1799 'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being... Samuel Johnson Samuel Richardson [novels] Print : Book1700-1799 'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in ... Samuel Johnson Samuel Paterson Another Traveller: or Cursory Remarks and Critical... Print : Book1700-1799 'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in ... Samuel Johnson Laurence Sterne Sentimental Journey, A Print : Book1700-1799 'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in ... Samuel Johnson Thomas Coryat Coryat's Crudities: Hastily gobled up in Five Mone... Print : Book1700-1799 'We talked of Tacitus, and I hazarded an opinion that with all his merit for penetration, shrewdness of judgment, and terseness of expression, he was too compact, too muc... Samuel Johnson Tacitus Histories Print : Book1700-1799 'At this time it appears from his "Prayers and Meditations," that he had been more than commonly diligent in religious duties, particularly in reading the Holy Scriptures... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Bible Print : Book1700-1799 'I expressed a liking for Mr. Francis Osborne's works, and asked him what he thought of that writer. He answered, "A conceited fellow. Were a man to write so now, the boy... Samuel Johnson Francis Osborne [unknown] Print : Book1700-1799 'Beattie's book is, I believe, every day more liked; at least, I like it more as I look more upon it.' Samuel Johnson James Beattie Minstrel, The; or, The Progress of Genius Print : Book1700-1799 'I have read your kind letter much more than the elegant Pindar which it accompanied'.
Samuel Johnson Pindar [poems] Print : Book1700-1799 'On Saturday, April 3, the day after my arrival in London this year, I went to his house late in the evening, and sat with Mrs. Williams till he came home. I found in the... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith [apology for beating a bookseller] Unknown 1700-1799 'I mentioned Sir John Dalrymple's "Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland", and his discoveries to the prejudice of Lord Russel and Algernon Sydney. Johnson. " Why, Sir, ev... Samuel Johnson John Dalrymple Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland Print : Book1700-1799 'He talked with approbation of an intended edition of "The Spectator," with notes; two volumes of which had been prepared by a gentleman eminent in the literary world, an... Samuel Johnson Joseph Addison Spectator, The Print : Book, Serial / periodical1700-1799 'He talked with approbation of an intended edition of "The Spectator," with notes; two volumes of which had been prepared by a gentleman eminent in the literary world, an... Samuel Johnson Joseph Addison Spectator, The Print : Book1700-1799 'On Thursday, April 8, I sat a good part of the evening with him, but he was very silent. He said, "Burnet's 'History of his own Times' is very entertaining. The style, i... Samuel Johnson Gilbert Burnet History of My Own Time Print : Book1700-1799 '[on Good Friday] We went to church both in the morning and evening. In the interval between the two services we did not dine; but he read in the Greek New Testament, and... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Greek New Testament Print : Book1700-1799 'Boswell. "I rather think, Sir, that Toryism prevails in this reign." Johnson. "I know not why you should think so, Sir. You see your friend Lord Lyttelton, a nobleman, i... Samuel Johnson George Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton History of the Life of Henry the Second Print : Book1700-1799 'Mr. Elphinston talked of a new book that was much admired, and asked Dr. Johnson if he had read it. Johnson. "I have looked into it." "What (said Elphinston), have you n... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [a recently published book] Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith Traveller, The Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith Deserted Village, The Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith Roman History From The Foundation of The City of R... Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson William Robertson History of Scotland 1542 - 1603 Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson Oliver Goldsmith History of England in a Series of Letters from a N... Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson Rene Aubert Vertot Révolutions romains Print : Book1700-1799 ' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the ec... Samuel Johnson David Dalrymple [books of history] Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson praised John Bunyan highly. "His 'Pilgrim's Progress' has great merit, both for invention, imagination, and the conduct of the story; and it has had the best evi... Samuel Johnson John Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress, The Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson praised John Bunyan highly. "His 'Pilgrim's Progress' has great merit, both for invention, imagination, and the conduct of the story; and it has had the best evi... Samuel Johnson Dante Alighieri Divine Comedy Print : Book1700-1799 'Talking of puns, Johnson, who had a great contempt for that species of wit, deigned to allow that there was one good pun in "Menagiana," I think on the word corps'. Samuel Johnson Monsieur Menage Menagiana Ou Les Bons Mots Print : Book1700-1799 '[letter from Boswell, to Johnson] It gives me much pleasure to hear that a republication of "Isaac Walton's Lives" is intended. You have been in a mistake in thinking th... Samuel Johnson Izaak Walton Lives of Dr John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Mr Richa... Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] There has appeared lately in the papers an account of a boat overset between Mull and Ulva, in which many passengers were lost, and amo... Samuel Johnson [n/a] [newspapers] Print : Newspaper1700-1799 ' [Letter from Johnson to Boswell] Last night I corrected the last page of our "Journey to the Hebrides".' Samuel Johnson Samuel Johnson Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland. Print : proofs1700-1799 'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry:
"Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the eccles... Samuel Johnson [n/a] [Greek Testaments] Print : Book1700-1799 'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry:
"Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the eccles... Samuel Johnson Virgil Eclogues Print : Book1700-1799 'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry:
"Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the eccles... Samuel Johnson Virgil 8th Eclogue Print : Book1700-1799 'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry:
"Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the eccles... Samuel Johnson Virgil 1st Georgic Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter from Johnson to John Hoole] I have returned your play, which you will find underscored with red, where there was a word which I did not like. The red will be was... Samuel Johnson John Hoole Cleonice Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 '[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have at last sent back Lord Hailes's sheets, I never think about returning them, because I alter nothing. You will see that I might a... Samuel Johnson David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes Annals of Scotland Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of ... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift Tale of a Tub, A Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of ... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift Gulliver's Travels Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of ... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift Drapier's Letters, The Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of ... Samuel Johnson Jonathan Swift Plan for the Improvement of the English Language Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson. "Sheridan is a wonderful admirer of the tragedy of Douglas, and presented its author with a gold medal. Some years ago, at a coffee-house in Oxford, I called to... Samuel Johnson John Home Douglas, A tragedy Print : Book1700-1799 'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; b... Samuel Johnson Thomas Gray Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard Print : Unknown1700-1799 'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; b... Samuel Johnson Thomas Gray The Bard: A Pindaric Ode Print : Unknown1700-1799 'Lord Chesterfield's letters being mentioned, Johnson said, "It was not to be wondered at that they had so great a sale, considering that they were the letters of a state... Samuel Johnson Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield Letters to his Son Print : Book1700-1799 'The "Odes to Obscurity and Oblivion," in ridicule of "cool Mason and warm Gray", being mentioned, Johnson said, "They are Colman's best things." [Boswell reports a conve... Samuel Johnson George Colman Two Odes: To Obscurity and To Oblivion Print : Book1700-1799 'The "Odes to Obscurity and Oblivion," in ridicule of "cool Mason and warm Gray", being mentioned, Johnson said, "They are Colman's best things." [Boswell reports a conve... Samuel Johnson William Mason Elfrida Print : Book1700-1799 'Lady Miller's collection of verses by fashionable people, which were put into her Vase at Batheaston Villa, near Bath, in competition for honorary prizes, being mentione... Samuel Johnson [unknown] [verses deposited in Lady Miller's vase] Print : Book1700-1799 'Dr. Johnson, as usual, spoke contemptuously of Colley Cibber. "It is wonderful that a man, who for forty years had lived with the great and the witty, should have acquir... Samuel Johnson Colley Cibber Careless Husband, The Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson Richard Twiss Travels through Portugal and Spain Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson John George Keysler Travels through Germany, Bohemia, Hungary, Switzer... Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville Travels through Holland, Germany and Switzerland, ... Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson Patrick Brydone Tour Through Sicily and Malta: In a Series of Lett... Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson Joseph Addison Remarks on Several Parts of Italy Print : Book1700-1799 'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as go... Samuel Johnson Richard Pococke Description of the East and Some other Countries, Print : Book1700-1799 'Mr. Scott of Amwell's "Elegies" were lying in the room. Dr. Johnson observed "They are very well; but such as twenty people might write." Upon this I took occasion to co... Samuel Johnson John Scott [Elegies] Print : Book1700-1799 'He talked of Isaac Walton's "Lives", which was one of his most favourite books. Dr. Donne's "Life", he said, was the most perfect of them'.
Samuel Johnson Izaak Walton Lives of Dr John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Mr Richa... Print : Book1700-1799 '[Johnson said] "Hudibras" affords a strong proof how much hold political principles had then upon the minds of men. There is in "Hudibras" a great deal of bullion which ... Samuel Johnson Samuel Butler Hudibras Print : Book1700-1799 'Johnson praised "The Spectator," particularly the character of Sir Roger de Coverley. He said, "Sir Roger did not die a violent death, as has been generally fancied. He ... Samuel Johnson Joseph Addison Spectator, The [Roger de Coverley essays] Print : Book, Serial / periodical1700-1799 'Johnson praised "The Spectator," particularly the character of Sir Roger de Coverley. He said, "Sir Roger did not die a violent death, as has been generally fancied. He ... Samuel Johnson Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have now three parcels of Lord Hailes's history, which I purpose to return all the next week: that his respect for my little observati... Samuel Johnson David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes Annals of Scotland Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 '[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have now three parcels of Lord Hailes's history, which I purpose to return all the next week: that his respect for my little observati... Samuel Johnson Charles-Jean-François Henault [history] Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be ... Samuel Johnson Bible Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be ... Samuel Johnson anon. Speculum humanae Salvationis Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be ... Samuel Johnson [n/a] Durandi Sanctuarium Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.... Samuel Johnson Giovanni Boccacio [tales from the 'Decameron'] Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.... Samuel Johnson Petrarch [unknown oration] Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.... Samuel Johnson Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland [unknown text - letters?- presumably addressed to ... Print : Book1700-1799 'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.... Samuel Johnson John Dryden [preface to his 'Poetical Miscellanies', vol. 3] Print : Book1700-1799 '[Letter to Boswell] I Have at last sent you all Lord Hailes's papers. While I was in France, I looked very often into Henault; but Lord Hailes, in my opinion, leaves him... Samuel Johnson David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes Annals of Scotland Manuscript : Unknown1700-1799 '[Letter to Boswell] I Have at last sent you all Lord Hailes's papers. While I was in France, I looked very often into Henault; but Lord Hailes, in my opinion, leaves him... Samuel Johnson Charles Jean François Henault Abrege chronologique de l'histoire de France Print : Book
