Samuel Johnson was born on September 18, 1709 in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England to Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and Sarah Ford. He spent his youth in Lichfield before attending Pembroke College, Oxford, where he briefly studied before leaving due to financial constraints.
Despite his limited formal education, Johnson began his writing career by contributing to The Gentleman's Magazine, a London publication. He gained recognition for his biographical work, Life of Mr. Richard Savage, and his play, Irene. However, Johnson is best known for his literary criticism, essays, poems, and reference works.
One of Johnson's most significant contributions to English literature is his 1755 work, A Dictionary of the English Language. This monumental undertaking aimed to standardize the English language and is still regarded as an important reference in the field of lexicography.
In 1765, Johnson published an annotated edition of The Plays of William Shakespeare. His insightful commentary and analysis of Shakespeare's works further solidified his reputation as a leading literary critic of the eighteenth century.
In 1735, Johnson married Elizabeth "Tetty" Jervis Porter, a widow twenty years his senior. Despite the age difference, their marriage was a supportive and loving partnership that lasted until her death in 1752.
Throughout his life, Johnson battled various health issues, including what modern physicians believe to be Tourette syndrome. His documented physical tics and verbal outbursts have led to this retrospective diagnosis, shedding light on the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life.
Samuel Johnson's impact on English literature and language cannot be overstated. His meticulous scholarship, insightful criticism, and dedication to the written word have solidified his place as a literary giant of the eighteenth century. He continues to be the subject of biographies, scholarly studies, and adaptations of his works, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.