Biography: The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.

Introduction
"The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D". is a biography of Samuel Johnson, an 18th-century English writer, lexicographer, and critic, authored by Leslie Stephen in 1878. Samuel Johnson was a guy of letters and one of the most recognized literary figures of his time. His contributions to English literature, language, and culture are tremendous, and his character, intellect, and wit continue to interest readers and scholars. Leslie Stephen, the author of this bio, was a distinguished Victorian writer and critic, known for his biographies of noteworthy literary personages.

Early Life and Education
Samuel Johnson was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, on September 18, 1709. He was the kid of a financially struggling bookseller and his better half. Johnson's childhood was marked by ill-health, consisting of scrofula (partly responsible for his blindness in one eye) and what is now thought to be Tourette Syndrome. Despite these difficulties, he showed an early aptitude for learning, and by the age of 9, he was well versed in Latin and Greek.

Johnson went to Lichfield Grammar School and later attended Stourbridge Grammar School, which he left after a year, disappointed with the quality of education. He later participated in Pembroke College at Oxford University in 1728, where he was dazzling however had a hard time financially. Motivated by these obstacles, Johnson eventually left Oxford and pursued a career in writing and teaching.

Career as a Writer and Lexicographer
Relocating to London in 1737, Johnson began his literary career, at first as a journalist and author. His early works consist of poems, significantly "London", a satire on modern society; as well as "The Life of Richard Savage", a bio of a fellow poet. However, it was not until the mid-1740s that he gained substantial recognition for his composing with the publication of popular periodical essays, like "The Rambler" and "The Idler".

Johnson's most substantial and long lasting contribution was his "Dictionary of the English Language", which he started working on in 1746 and published in 1755. This groundbreaking work was the initially thorough English dictionary and was an unequaled accomplishment at the time. The dictionary's introduction, meanings, and quotations showed Johnson's unbelievable erudition, wit, and mastery over the English language.

In addition to his dictionary, Johnson also authored numerous literary works, consisting of "The Vanity of Human Wishes", a philosophical poem; "Irene", a play; "Rasselas", a philosophical book; and biographical and crucial beginnings to "The Lives of the English Poets".

Later Life and Friendships
Throughout his life, Samuel Johnson had close friendships with numerous popular literary and intellectual figures of his time. Amongst these were Joshua Reynolds, a prominent picture painter; Oliver Goldsmith, a poet and playwright; David Garrick, an actor and playwright; Edmund Burke, a statesman and thinker; and Hester Thrale, a Welsh writer and diarist.

Johnson's relationships and character form a considerable part of his bio, as they expose much about his character, his empathy, and his wit. He was susceptible to melancholy and depression, but he was also generous and faithful to his friends. In his later years, he opened his home to several unrelated individuals, including former servants and individuals in need, offering them with monetary and psychological support.

Tradition and Influence
Samuel Johnson passed away on December 13, 1784, but his impact on English literature, language, and culture stayed considerable. His works continue to read, and his thoughts and concepts continue to inspire scholars and authors. Johnson's quotes from his essays and discussions, recorded by his pals and biographers, offer an important source of wisdom and insight into humanity and life.

Leslie Stephen's bio of Samuel Johnson commemorates the terrific lexicographer's life and works. It provides a brilliant account of a remarkable guy who overcame difficulties to make long lasting contributions to literature and language. The bio advises us of the significance of Samuel Johnson's accomplishments and the enduring imprint he left on the English language and its literature.