Society of Archbishop Justus
Samuel Johnson, Writer of an Age
James E. Kiefer's extensive biography features anecdotes from Samuel Johnson's childhood plus discussion of his struggles with disability and the metamorphosis of his religious and philosophical beliefs. This site includes excerpts from...
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Studied Barbarity: Johnson, Spenser, and Literary Progress
Literary analysis of Johnson's writings in relation to Edmund Spenser. Features extensive notes and bibliographical info.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Johnson on the History of the Language
Critical analysis of Johnson's use of literary sources in his dictionary, and his contribution to the development of modern English. Includes extensive notes and bibliography.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Samuel Johnson and the Revival of Learning
A critical analysis of Johnson's commentary on the period later called the Renaissance by Jack Lynch. In-depth article with extensive notes and bibliography.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Use, Elegance, and National Identity in Johnson's Dictionary
An analytical discussion of Johnson's use of literary technique in his dictionary. It includes notes and bibliography.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Life of Milton by Samuel Johnson
This annotated version of Johnson's Life of Milton contains hyperlinks to explanatory notes added by the editor of the online edition.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: The Life of Pope by Samuel Johnson
This is an online edition of a text printed in 1905. An abridged version is also available.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: The Plan of an English Dictionary (1747) by Samuel Johnson
Read actual text from Dr. Johnson's, The Plan of an English Dictionary (1747), as he explains his motivations for undertaking the task of writing the English Dictionary. Johnson also expounds upon the process and outcome.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: The Dictionary of the English Language
Brief introductory essay on the history of Samuel Johnson's dictionary. Includes information on the time frame of the work and the significance of the dictionary in the development of modern versions. Criticism is cited.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: History of the English Language
What do you know about the origins of the English language? Explore this resource to learn more about this topic. This resource features links to several helpful sites.
Other
Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page: Time Line
Supplemental to general biographies. Features some information about Johnson's struggles with poverty and depression. Also includes major works.
Other
Samuel Johnson Page: Brief Biography
A biographical sketch of Johnson, featuring information about his difficult birth and childhood illnesses, his failed teaching career, and some details of his literary accomplishments.
Other
The Origin and History of the English Language
How many native English speakers are there in the world today? Learn important facts and statistics about the English-speaking world as well as a history of the language from its Germanic beginnings to the present.
Other
Armstrong Atlantic State University: English Language
Discover more about the history of the English language when you visit this informative site. Students and teachers will benefit from this educational resource.
BBC
Bbc History: Historic Figures: Samuel Johnson (1709 84)
Brief biography of English writer and critic Samuel Johnson, including personal background, career information and important works.
Other
Greenwich 2000: Samuel Johnson 1709 1784
A short biography of English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson. Includes information on Johnson's friendship and travels with his eventual biographer, James Boswell.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Who Is This Johnson Guy?
Brief introduction to the life and impact of Samuel Johnson. Contains links to additional information.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Samuel Johnson
Familiarize yourself with the life and works of the poet Samuel Johnson. This source contains a quick fact sheet, a short biography, links to related articles, collection items, and works.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: A Dictionary of the English Language
Read an overview of "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson and view additional resources such as articles and collection items.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Language and Ideas
From Johnson's Dictionary to letter-writing, newspapers and coffee-house culture: explore how different forms and mediums helped to develop and circulate language and ideas during the long 18th century.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Johnson's Dictionary: Myths and Realities
David Crystal looks past the myths surrounding Samuel Johnson's Dictionary to discover a work of remarkable precision, sensitivity, and attention to social and regional variation.
Other
Dictionary of the English Language/image
See a Close-up image of an original page from Johnson's dictionary. It shows the definition and a usage example for the word "puke."
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: James Boswell
A brief biography on the life and times of James Boswell, lawyer, essayist and author of The Life of Samuel Johnson.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Samuel Johnson
An account of the life and times of Samuel Johnson. Includes a list of selected works by Samuel Johnson.