# Samuel Johnson

> English writer and lexicographer (1709–1784)

**Wikidata**: [Q183266](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183266)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Johnson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/samuel-johnson

## Summary
Samuel Johnson was an English writer and lexicographer (1709–1784) best known for compiling *A Dictionary of the English Language*, the first major dictionary of the English language. His work standardized spelling and grammar, shaping modern English usage.

## Biography
- Born: September 18, 1709, Lichfield, England
- Nationality: England
- Education: Lichfield Grammar School, University of Oxford (Pembroke College)
- Known for: Compiling *A Dictionary of the English Language* and contributing to literary criticism
- Employer(s): Pembroke College, University of Oxford
- Field(s): Lexicography, literature, literary criticism

## Contributions
Samuel Johnson authored *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), which standardized English spelling and grammar, influencing modern language usage. He also published *The Rambler* (1750), a periodical that promoted literary and philosophical discussions. His essays and literary critiques, such as *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), explored themes of morality, education, and society. Johnson's work as a lexicographer laid the foundation for modern dictionaries, while his literary contributions shaped 18th-century English literature.

## FAQs
**What is Samuel Johnson most famous for?**
Samuel Johnson is most famous for compiling *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), which standardized English spelling and grammar, influencing modern language usage.

**Where did Samuel Johnson study?**
Samuel Johnson studied at Lichfield Grammar School and later at Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

**What other works did Samuel Johnson publish?**
Samuel Johnson published *The Rambler* (1750), a periodical that promoted literary and philosophical discussions, and essays like *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), which explored themes of morality and education.

**What was Samuel Johnson's role in literary criticism?**
Samuel Johnson contributed to literary criticism through essays and reviews, shaping 18th-century English literature and influencing later literary theory.

**Where is Samuel Johnson buried?**
Samuel Johnson is buried in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, London.

## Why They Matter
Samuel Johnson's work as a lexicographer revolutionized English language standardization, creating *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), which remains a foundational reference. His literary critiques and essays, such as *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), shaped 18th-century thought on morality and education. Johnson's influence extends to modern dictionaries and literary theory, making him a cornerstone of English language and literary history.

## Notable For
- Compiling *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), the first major English dictionary
- Publishing *The Rambler* (1750), a periodical promoting literary and philosophical discussions
- Writing *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), an influential essay on morality and education
- Standardizing English spelling and grammar, shaping modern language usage
- Influencing 18th-century English literature and literary theory
- Being buried in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, London

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Samuel Johnson was born on September 18, 1709, in Lichfield, England. He attended Lichfield Grammar School before enrolling at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, where he studied classics and philosophy. His early education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to literature and lexicography.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Samuel Johnson's literary career began with *The Rambler* (1750), a periodical that promoted literary and philosophical discussions. His most notable work, *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), standardized English spelling and grammar, influencing modern language usage. Johnson's essays, such as *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), explored themes of morality, education, and society, shaping 18th-century thought.

### Lexicography and Language Standardization
Johnson's work as a lexicographer revolutionized English language standardization. *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755) defined over 40,000 words, providing clear meanings and usage examples. His dictionary became a foundational reference, shaping modern English grammar and spelling.

### Literary Criticism and Influence
Samuel Johnson's literary critiques and essays, such as *The Vanity of Human Wishes* (1745), influenced 18th-century English literature and literary theory. His work explored themes of morality, education, and society, contributing to the development of literary criticism.

### Legacy and Burial
Samuel Johnson's legacy includes his contributions to lexicography, literature, and literary criticism. He is buried in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey, London, honoring his lasting impact on English language and literature. His work continues to influence modern dictionaries, literary theory, and English usage.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. The Life of Samuel Johnson (Penguin Classics 1979 edition)
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28. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index9.html)
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