Johnson, Samuel (1709-1784), English author and lexicographer

[1] Facsimile signed letter from Johnson to Sir Joseph Banks dated 27 Feb 1772. There is a latin motto at the top "Perpetui, ambita, bis terra, premia lactis, Haec habet altrici Capra secunda Jovis" and on the footer are the words "Inscription by Dr Johnson for the collar of Sir Joseph Banks' goat".

[2] Letter from Johnson to Mrs Thrale (written on reverse with remains of wax seal) dated 26 May 1775. Signature has been cut away. This letter is accompanied by a typed transcription.

[3] Personal letter from Johnson to Dr Burney dated "Aug: 2 1784" which Johnson agrees to recommend Burney's new book, speaks of the loss of Mr. Allen, Mrs Burney's brush with death and her recovery, and Johnson's personal health. He finishes the letter asking the question: "But who can run the race with Death?". This letter is accompanied by a typed transcription.

A note by Charles Poolley regarding "Dr Johnson's letter to Richardson" dated Aug 2nd 1843, nearly 60 years after Johnson's death.

1772-1843

1 file (4 items)

Purchased from: Mrs. Watson, Burnley, March 1945 (acc.72200), presumably once part of the Thomas Madden Stone autograph collection; Sotheby's, London, May 1930 (acc.52787); Sotheby's, London, July 1930 (acc.56375).

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), was born in Lichfield on 7 September (18 September N.S.) 1709 and is also known as Dr Johnson. He was a prolific English writer who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer. He is probably most famous for penning "A Dictionary of the English Language", the pre-eminent British dictionary which was only seconded 150 years later after the release of the Oxford English Dictionary.

According to many biographies of Dr Johnson, his odd behaviours and mannerisms may have informed the posthumous diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, which had certainly not been defined or diagnosed in the 18th century. Johnson died on 13 December 1784 but continues to be one of the most celebrated characters in English literature.

More information available via the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.