35 Facts About Samuel Johnson

Early Life and Education

Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was a towering figure in 18th-century English literature. His early life and education shaped his future achievements.

1. Born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, Johnson was the son of a bookseller.
2. Johnson contracted scrofula, a form of tuberculosis, as a child, which left him with lifelong health issues.
3. Despite his health problems, Johnson was a voracious reader from a young age, often reading books from his father's shop.
4. He attended Pembroke College, Oxford, but financial difficulties forced him to leave without a degree.
5. Johnson's time at Oxford was brief but influential, as he formed lasting friendships and honed his literary skills.

Literary Career

Johnson's literary career was marked by significant contributions to English literature, including his famous dictionary and numerous essays.

6. In 1735, Johnson married Elizabeth "Tetty" Porter, a widow 20 years his senior.
7. Johnson moved to London in 1737, seeking better opportunities for his writing career.
8. He worked as a journalist and contributed to various periodicals, including "The Gentleman's Magazine."
9. In 1746, Johnson began working on his most famous work, "A Dictionary of the English Language," which was published in 1755.
10. The dictionary took nine years to complete and contained over 40,000 entries.
11. Johnson's dictionary was the most comprehensive of its time and remained the standard reference for over a century.
12. He also wrote "The Rambler," a series of essays published between 1750 and 1752, which addressed moral and philosophical topics.
13. Johnson's play "Irene" was performed at Drury Lane Theatre in 1749, though it received mixed reviews.
14. He published "The Idler," another series of essays, between 1758 and 1760.
15. Johnson's novel "Rasselas," published in 1759, explores themes of happiness and human nature.

Personal Struggles

Despite his literary success, Johnson faced numerous personal struggles throughout his life.

16. Johnson suffered from depression and anxiety, which he referred to as his "black dog."
17. He experienced financial difficulties for much of his life, often relying on the generosity of friends.
18. Johnson's wife, Tetty, passed away in 1752, leaving him deeply saddened.
19. He had a complicated relationship with his mother, who disapproved of his marriage to Tetty.
20. Johnson's health problems persisted throughout his life, including poor eyesight and gout.

Friendships and Influence

Johnson's friendships and influence extended beyond his literary achievements, impacting the lives of many notable figures.

21. Johnson formed a close friendship with James Boswell, who later wrote his famous biography, "The Life of Samuel Johnson."
22. He was a member of the Literary Club, founded in 1764, which included prominent figures like Edmund Burke, Joshua Reynolds, and Oliver Goldsmith.
23. Johnson's home in London became a gathering place for intellectuals and writers.
24. He mentored several young writers, including Oliver Goldsmith and Fanny Burney.
25. Johnson's influence extended to politics, as he was a staunch supporter of the British monarchy and opposed the American Revolution.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Johnson continued to write and remained an influential figure in English literature.

26. Johnson received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College, Dublin, in 1765, and from Oxford University in 1775.
27. He published "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" in 1775, detailing his travels with Boswell.
28. Johnson's health declined in his later years, and he suffered a stroke in 1783.
29. Despite his declining health, Johnson continued to write, including his final major work, "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets," published between 1779 and 1781.
30. Johnson passed away on December 13, 1784, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
31. His legacy lives on through his contributions to English literature and his influence on subsequent generations of writers.
32. Johnson's wit and wisdom are often quoted, with many of his sayings becoming famous aphorisms.
33. He is remembered as one of the greatest literary figures of the 18th century.
34. Johnson's life and works continue to be studied and celebrated by scholars and literature enthusiasts.
35. The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in Lichfield preserves his legacy and offers insights into his life and achievements.

Samuel Johnson's Lasting Legacy

Samuel Johnson's influence on literature and language remains undeniable. His Dictionary of the English Language set a new standard for lexicography, while his essays and critiques continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Johnson's wit, wisdom, and unique perspective on life have left an indelible mark on English literature.

His friendships with notable figures like James Boswell and his contributions to literary circles of the 18th century highlight his importance in shaping intellectual thought. Johnson's works, from Rasselas to his essays in The Rambler, offer timeless insights into human nature and society.

Understanding Johnson's life and achievements provides a deeper appreciation for the evolution of English literature. His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to be studied and celebrated. Samuel Johnson's contributions have cemented his place as a literary giant whose impact will be felt for generations.