Sir Samuel Johnson - Information, Featured Articles

Sir Samuel Johnson

Dr Johnson (1709-1784) is best remembered as the compiler of the first definitive English dictionary.

This extract is from a letter he wrote in 1755 in which he describes the enormous task involved in creating the dictionary.

The good doctor's quotes are still often used, including the famous "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life!"

He didn't just live in London - he loved it and knew every nook and cranny of it.

As well as the famous dictionary Johnson also wrote a number of books, but it is for his sharp wit that he is best remembered. We are indebted to James Boswell (1740-1795), a Scottish biographer and friend of Johnson, who followed him closely and kept a large journal of his words.

Johnson was a large man. As Boswell put it "he had a robust frame". He also had an opinion about everything and must have been a formidable figure. He could be arrogant, bigoted and outspoken, but always tempered his words with wit.

On Americans he said, "Sir, they are a race of convicts and ought to be thankful for anything we allow them short of hanging."

On the Irish, "Sir, the Irish are a fair people - they never speak well of one another."

On one occasion, after attending a Quaker's meeting, which was addressed by a lady preacher, he said, "Sir, a woman preaching is like a dog walking on his hind legs. It is not done well but you are surprised to find it done at all."

London
Written by Johnson in 1738 when he lived near Oxford Street.

Here Malice, Rapine, Accident conspire,
And now a Rabble rages, now a Fire;
Their Ambush here relentless ruffians lay,
And here the full Attorney prowls for prey;
Here falling Houses thunder on your head,
And here a female Atheist talks you dead.
Prepare for death, if here at night you roam,
And sign your will before you step from home.