Bibliomania
Bibliomania: Simonds History of American Literature
This site presents the full text of the "Simonds History of American Literature." This detailed reference book explores the literature in early colonial times, the eighteenth century, the beginning of the nineteenth century, the New...
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: The Eighteenth Century (First Half)
This Bibliomania site provides a great description of the literary history of the Colonial period from 1700 to 1750. Includes analyses of the works of Samuel Sewall, Sarah Kemble Knight, Ebenezer Cook, William Byrd, and Jonathan Edwards.
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...
W. W. Norton
Norton Anthology: Restoration/british Literature
The period between 1660 and 1785 was a time of amazing expansion, when Britain became an empire and its society and literature had to adapt to circumstances for which there was no precedent. The topics in this Restoration and Eighteenth...
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: 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 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: Literary Resources: Romantic Period
Search this comprehensive site for links to the authors and the writings of the Romantic Period. Don't miss out on this amazing collection of links. As Professor Jack Lynch, who created the list, has noted, these pages are outdated and...
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.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto Libraries: Jonathan Swift (1667 1745)
A short biography of Jonathan Swift, perhaps best known for his book, Gulliver's Travels, which can be accessed here. Also links to his book, A Modest Proposal.
Other
Univ. De Valencia: Chronology of Jonathan Swift's Life
Detailed timeline of important moments in the author's life, as well as significant historical events. Includes Whig and Tory pages, and info about the Pope and the Anglican Church.
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.
University of Toronto (Canada)
University of Toronto: Poetry of Jonathan Swift
Full text, from the University of Toronto, of nine of Swift's most famous poems, including "Advice to the Grub Street Verse-writers."
University of Maryland
Romantic Circles Praxis Series
Use this informative site that serves as a host of the primary anthologies available in the field of Romantic literature. This comprehensive site will help you develop more knowledge of British Romantic authors and their works.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Denis Diderot
Encyclopedia entry about the French philosopher and writer. Features biographical information, including Diderot's education, philosophy, and major literary works.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Alexander Pope
A biography of Pope is interspersed with exerpts from his works. This includes "The Rape of the Lock" and "An Essay on Criticism." Also gives some information on literary theory.
Oregon State University
Oregon State: Rousseau Time Line
Fairly detailed timeline of events in Rousseau's life. Includes personal information, education, and publication of major works.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: 18th Century Resources Literature
Check out this incredible site full of resources and links to the world of literature in 18th-century Britain. This site holds the key to learning more about the authors, works, and topics of this time period.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Eighteenth Century Chronology
Find out more about eighteenth-century literature through this comprehensive chronology. This site is set up to take you from 1660 through to 1800.
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."
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: Study Guide, Gulliver's Travels
Five study questions to help with navigation and understanding of "Gulliver's Travels." Features topics such as: relationship between satire and conceptions of ideal society.
Other
Fault Lines: Milton's Mirror of Desire
Complex analysis of many facets of "desire" in "Paradise Lost." Includes comparisons to Spenser's "The Faierie Queen."