Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)—one of the greatest moralists, poets, biographers, critics, essayists, and correspondents of all time—so dominated literary and intellectual life in the last half of the 18th century that the era is frequently referred to as the “Age of Johnson.” As a conversationalist and writer he was so insightful and adept in the use of language that only Shakespeare and the Bible are quoted more often.
Samuel Johnson: Literary Giant of the 18th Century, a new exhibition opening May 23 and continuing through Sept. 21 in the West Hall of the Library, tells the story of Johnson’s life and achievements through a display of rare books, manuscripts, and portraits drawn from The Huntington’s holdings and from the Loren and Frances Rothschild Collection. The exhibition is curated by noted Johnson scholar O. M. “Skip” Brack, professor emeritus of English at Arizona State University.
[from the Huntingon Library Website - see for more information on the exhibit]
[title page of Johnson's Dictionary from the Vassar Library website]
Further Reading:
- The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite page
- Samuel Johnson Page by Jack Lynch [updated to 2005] – see also Lynch’s introductory Guide to Samuel Johnson
- Johnson E-Texts online [by Jack Lynch at 18th-century e-texts]
- E-text of Dr. Johnson and Fanny Burney
- Boswell’s Life of Johnson at Google Books
- Article at the Pasadena Star-News.com
- Review of the two new biographies of Johnson by Peter Martin and Jeffrey Meyers at the NYTimes.com
- And, because I must, one article on Jane Austen and her “Dear Dr. Johnson” at Persuasions, No. 11, 1989, by Gloria Gross
Johnson Portrait by Reynolds
Deb! Being an expatriot of southern California, The Huntington Library and Gardens was my favorite place for a Regency respite! I heartly recommend it to anyone living in the area to plan a visit, and for others to make it a destination on you next vacation to California. The Library is amazing, the Beaux arts residence which is now an art, furnishing and decorative arts museum is jaw dropping gorgeous, and the gardens Lousia! are stunning. My favorite spots are the Thorton Portrait Gallery, the rose garden and of course the tea room! *sigh* I am feeling melancholy. The Samuel Johnson exhibit sounds fascinating and further motivation to plan a trip. Wish I could be there. Thanks for sharing!
Laurel Ann
Thank you Laurel Ann for your enthusiasm for the Huntington! I fear I am on the other end of the country and will not get to see this either – thank goodness we have these places of refuge – mine in the East is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston – [http://www.gardnermuseum.org/ ] – and Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum here in Vermont.
Thanks for visiting – sorry it made you melancholy!
Deb
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When I was in the National Portrait Gallery in London last year I purchased a small book, but a treasure, Dr. Johnson, his club and other friends, by Jenny Uglow. I had no idea how influential he was in his time and in the generation that followed.
Hi Vic,
It is Jenny Uglow who is the treasure! – she has written so many books on a variety of subjects [Johnson, Gaskell, gardens, George Eliot, Fielding, Hogarth, Thomas Bewick, Lunar Men [a book on late 16th century inventors], a new one coming out in November on Charles II, and more – just amazing!
I do not have that book on Johnson, so thanks for suggesting it to me – they call the 18th century the “Age of Johnson” for good reason – and Jane Austen was much influenced by him and his thinking – another good book to have is Liza Picard’s “Dr. Johnson’s London” [2000]
Thanks for visiting my other [albeit neglected!] blog Vic…
Deb
I wish this was on the East Coast – I had the chance to visit Johnson’s house in Gough Court, London in April. I had the feeling that I was the only American that day who’d even heard of Dr. Johnson.
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