Preface to Shakespeare (ePub)

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was a towering figure in 18th-century English literature and is esteemed for his profound contributions as a lexicographer, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and poet. Johnson's erudition and wit established him as a societal authority on literary matters. His 'Preface to Shakespeare', which appeared as an introduction to his edition of the plays of William Shakespeare, offers an exceptional example of Johnson's literary criticism. Within this preface, Johnson combines a historical perspective with a pragmatic appreciation of Shakespeare's work, asserting both the enduring relevance of the Bard's creations and their remarkable representation of human nature. Johnson's thorough analysis of Shakespeare's characters, thematic structures, and language has been a touchstone for critics and scholars, as it successfully situates Shakespeare within the broader canon of Western literature without sacrificing the intrinsic qualities that make his works unique. Beyond criticism, Johnson's most renowned work, 'A Dictionary of the English Language', was seminal in standardizing English spelling and usage. His biographical and critical essays, epitomized by 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets', and his periodical essays in 'The Rambler', 'The Idler', and 'The Adventurer', further cemented his reputation as an eloquent observer of human virtue and vice. Dr. Johnson's work exemplifies the Augustan Age's literary ideals, characterized by reason, order, and classical eloquence, while still foreshadowing the Romantic era's emotional depth and individuality.