Samuel Johnson (Dr. S. Johnson) (1709-1784) was an English writer, poet, essayist, and lexicographer. Renowned for his “Dictionary of the English Language,” Johnson profoundly influenced English literature and criticism.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Johnson |
| Also Known As | Dr. S. Johnson |
| Birth Date | September 18, 1709 |
| Death Date | December 13, 1784 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Writer, Lexicographer, Poet, Essayist, Biographer, Critic |
| Notable Works | A Dictionary of the English Language, The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets |
| Education | Pembroke College, Oxford (did not complete degree) |
| Awards | None, but widely recognized for his contributions to English literature and lexicography |
Early Life
Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. S. Johnson, was born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. He was the son of Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and Sarah Ford. Johnson grew up in the literary environment of his father’s bookshop, which greatly influenced his early education and love for literature. Despite facing numerous health challenges from a young age, including scrofula and partial blindness, he showed remarkable intellectual promise. Johnson attended Lichfield Grammar School and later moved to Stourbridge to continue his education. In 1728, he enrolled at Pembroke College, Oxford, but financial difficulties forced him to leave without completing his degree. These early experiences shaped Johnson’s resilient character and his profound contributions to English literature and lexicography.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Michael Johnson | Michael Johnson was a bookseller and stationer in Lichfield, England. He was known for his hardworking nature, but struggled with financial instability throughout his life. |
| Mother | Sarah Ford | Sarah Ford came from a wealthy family. She married Michael Johnson and supported him in his business endeavors. She was known for her piety and strong character. |
| Brother | Nathaniel Johnson | Nathaniel Johnson was Samuel Johnson’s younger brother. Unfortunately, not much is documented about his life, and he died at a young age. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Chest | Unknown |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hip | Unknown |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
Note: Specific body measurements of Samuel Johnson (Dr. S. Johnson) are not well-documented in historical records.
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Samuel Johnson, widely known as Dr. S. Johnson, is currently married to Elizabeth “Tetty” Porter. They were married on July 9, 1735. Elizabeth Porter, often referred to as “Tetty,” was a widow and 20 years older than Johnson at the time of their marriage. Despite the age difference, their relationship was known for its deep affection and mutual respect.
Before marrying Elizabeth Porter, Samuel Johnson did not have any recorded relationships or significant romantic involvements. His marriage to Tetty was his first and only marriage.
Samuel Johnson’s love life is marked by his enduring relationship with Elizabeth Porter. Their marriage lasted until Tetty’s death in 1752, and Johnson’s devotion to her continued to be a significant aspect of his life and writings.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson, became famous primarily for his work as a lexicographer, poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, and editor. His most notable achievement was the creation of “A Dictionary of the English Language,” which was first published in 1755 and had a profound impact on modern English.
Samuel Johnson’s career began with the publication of his first major poem, “London,” in 1738. His career can be characterized by several milestones:
- “London” (1738) – A poem that brought him initial recognition.
- “Life of Richard Savage” (1744) – A biographical work that showcased his narrative skill.
- “A Dictionary of the English Language” (1755) – His magnum opus, which established his reputation as a leading intellectual and scholar.
- “The Rambler” (1750-1752) – A series of essays on various subjects, which further solidified his standing as a moralist and essayist.
- “Rasselas” (1759) – A philosophical novel exploring the human condition.
- “The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets” (1779-1781) – A collection of biographical and critical essays on poets, which remains a valuable resource for literary scholars.
While formal awards and recognitions were not as prevalent during Johnson’s time as they are today, he received significant honors and acknowledgments:
- Honorary degrees – He received honorary degrees from both Oxford and Dublin in recognition of his literary achievements.
- Pension from King George III – In 1762, Johnson was awarded a government pension of £300 per year, which was a significant acknowledgment of his contributions to English literature.
Despite his achievements, Samuel Johnson was not free from controversies:
- Political Views – Johnson was a staunch Tory, and his political views sometimes put him at odds with contemporaries who held different opinions.
- Views on Slavery – He was a vocal critic of slavery, a stance that was controversial in his time, particularly among the British elite who benefited from the practice.
- Religious Beliefs – Johnson’s firm Anglican beliefs sometimes led to clashes with those of different religious persuasions, including Catholics and non-conformists.
- Personal Criticisms – Johnson was known for his caustic wit and could be harsh in his criticisms of other writers and public figures, which earned him both admirers and detractors.
Overall, Samuel Johnson remains a towering figure in English literature, celebrated for his contributions to the English language and literary criticism, while also remembered for the controversies that marked his life and career.
