This COMPANION provides a unique introduction and guide to the works and life of one of the key figures in English literary history. One of the most distinctive characters and conversationalists in our literary culture, Samuel Johnson is here surveyed in his entirety. Chapters covering major works, his life, conversation, letters, and critical reception appear alongside fresh thematic essays, a chronology and a guide to further reading. 10 photos.

List of illustrations; Notes on contributors; Chronology; List of short titles and abbreviations; Introduction Greg Clingham; 1. Extraordinarily ordinary: the life of Samuel Johnson Philip Davis; 2. Johnson and the arts of conversation Catherine N. Parke; 3. Johnson's poetry Howard D. Weinbrot; 4. Johnson, the essay and The Rambler Paul J. Korshin; 5. Johnson and the condition of women Eithne Henson; 6. Johnson's dictionary Robert De Maria Jr; 7. Johnson's politics Robert Folkenflik; 8. Johnson and imperialism Clement Hawes; 9. The skepticism of Johnson's Rasselas Fred Parker; 10. Shakespeare: Johnson's poet of nature Philip Smallwood; 11. Life and literature in Johnson's Lives of the Poets Greg Clingham; 12. Johnson's Christian thought Michael Suarez, S. J. ; 13. 'From China to Peru': Johnson in the traveled world John Wiltshire; 14. 'Letters about Nothing': Johnson and epistolary writing Tom Keymer; 15. Johnson's critical reception Steven Lynn; Further reading; Index.