The Oxford Handbook of Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson was a prolific writer who worked in various genres, including essays, poetry, fiction, criticism, biography, scholarly editing, lexicography, translation, sermons, and journalism. His works are more extensive than those of any other canonical English writer, and his life was documented thoroughly by contemporaries. However, his popular image as Dr. Johnson suggests simplifies his complex personality. The Oxford Handbook of Samuel Johnson, by an international team of thirty-six scholars, offers the most comprehensive examination of Johnson's life and works, exploring his major works and minor ones, as well as the subjects that were most important to him as a writer, thinker, and moralist.

Format: Hardback
Length: 704 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Samuel Johnson, a versatile and prolific writer, left an indelible mark on English literature with his diverse range of genres. From essays to poetry, fiction to criticism, biography to scholarly editing, lexicography to translation, sermons to journalism, Johnson's contributions were vast and multifaceted. His extensive body of work surpasses that of any other canonical English writer, and his life was meticulously documented by contemporaries, providing a rich and detailed account of his achievements.

However, despite his immense influence, Johnson remains a complex and enigmatic figure, challenging our understanding of him. The popular image of Dr. Johnson, often portrayed as a staid and erudite scholar, does not fully capture the depth and complexity of his character. In reality, Johnson was a social conservative but also one of the most radical abolitionists of his age. He firmly believed in social hierarchy but was an outspoken supporter of women intellectuals, advocating for their education and intellectual pursuits.

Johnson's moral convictions were unwavering, rooted in his Christian faith. He was a staunch Christian moralist who believed in the importance of moral virtue and personal responsibility. At the same time, he was a penetrating critic of family structures, challenging traditional patriarchal norms and advocating for greater equality and freedom for women.

Labels often fail to adequately describe Johnson's multifaceted personality and intellectual pursuits. He defied easy categorization, exhibiting a blend of conservatism and radicalism, traditionalism and modernity, and moral rigor and empathy. His works, which span various genres, reflect these complex contradictions, offering insights into his thoughts, values, and the social and cultural context of his time.

In The Oxford Handbook of Samuel Johnson, an international team of thirty-six scholars undertakes the most comprehensive examination ever attempted of this enigmatic figure. The book spans three sections, each providing a deep dive into different aspects of Johnson's life and works. The first section explores Johnson's life, from his early years to his final days, shedding light on his background, education, and personal experiences. The second section, organized by genre, presents a comprehensive analysis of Johnson's major works, including his essays, poetry, novels, and plays. The third section, organized by topic, delves into the subjects that were most important to Johnson as a writer, thinker, and moralist, covering topics such as literature, philosophy, religion, and society.

Through extensive research, critical analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach, the scholars in The Oxford Handbook of Samuel Johnson offer a fresh and nuanced perspective on Johnson's life and legacy. They challenge traditional narratives and provide new insights into his intellectual pursuits, social attitudes, and cultural significance. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of English literature and the complex personality of Samuel Johnson.

In conclusion, Samuel Johnson's unparalleled versatility and prolific output as a writer have left an indelible mark on English literature. His diverse range of genres, coupled with his complex personality and intellectual pursuits, make him a fascinating and enigmatic figure. The Oxford Handbook of Samuel Johnson, a comprehensive examination of his life and works by a team of thirty-six scholars, provides a valuable resource for understanding this remarkable writer and his contributions to the world of literature.

Weight: 1372g
Dimension: 252 x 175 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198794660