Product Description No one has a higher visibility in mid-Hanoverian culture or embodies so fully the temper of his time as Samuel Johnson. Crotchety and individualistic, even isolated, in his private circumstances, backward-looking and ulta-orthodox in many of his opinions, Johnson nevertheless made his mark upon his epoch in a unique fashion. In this volume Pat Rogers examines Johnson's position in his age and his relations with colleagues and friends, the breadth of his interests and the achievement of his writings, including the remarkable Dictionary, his edition of Shakespeare, and the immensely influential Lives of the Poets. Review 'Pat Roger's Johnson achieves its aim by lucidity and brevity, while also drawing upon a mastery of Johnson's writings. This is an excellent introduction to the man chosen by Carlyle for the role of hero as man of letters.' J.W.M. Thompson, The Times'Pat Rogers has done that immensely difficult thing: a trapping and compression of Johnson in 111 pages which nevertheless does him some kind of justice. A reader of this book who is versed in Johnson will find arguments constantly springing to mind. But admiration springs as readily. The Rambler, Rasselas, The Vanity of Human Wishes and other works are given considered, sensitive yet clarifying analysis.' Isobel Grundy, University of Alberta, The New Rambler, Vol. VIII, 1992/93'This excellent little book is the best introduction to Johnson at present available Every student should read it and take note of it. There is a considerable amount of scholarship distilled into a small compass, and a high degree of critical sensitivity displayed in acute observations and incidental comments. Not a word is wasted, and every sentence contributes to the enlargement of the reader's understanding.' J.D. Fleeman, Pembroke College, Oxford, Notes and Queries, June 1994`Pat Roger's volume in the Past Masters series is...especially welcome....this is a brilliantly condensed volume, packed with information and perceptions. It avoids al the usual pitfalls and can be widely recommended.' British Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies vol 18 part 1 About the Author Pat Rogers is DeBartolo Professor in the Liberal Arts at the University of South Florida. He has also taught at Cambridge, London, UC North Wales, and Bristol, and spends the summer months near Shepton Mallett. He is also the editor of The Oxford Illustrated History of English Literature (#11.95) and An Outline of English Literature (#7.99).