An Eighteenth Century Gentlemen and Other Essays

The main focus of this concise 1930 volume is on Samuel Johnson, particularly in terms of his relationship with the cultural climate of the eighteenth century.

S. C. Roberts (Author)

9780521155465, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 November 2010

142 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 0.8 cm, 1.6 kg

Originally published in 1930, the main focus of this concise volume is on the figure of Samuel Johnson, particularly in terms of his relationship with the surrounding cultural climate of the eighteenth century. Four essays on Johnson constitute the main part of the text, and this section is bookended by portraits of George Lyttelton and Thomas Macaulay, which serves to contextualise Johnson's position as the pre-eminent figure of the time. This is a a highly readable book, which deploys a vast array of knowledge in a subtle and unobtrusive manner, providing a well-rounded interpretation of the Augustan age that will be of value to anyone with an interest in Johnson and his milieu.

Preface
Part I. An Eighteenth-Century Gentleman
Part II. Johnsoniana: 1. Johnson in Grub Street
2. Johnson's Books
3. The focus of the Lichfield Lamps
4. Two imitation
Part III. Lord Macaulay - The Pre-Eminent Victorian.

Subject Areas: Educational: English literature [YQE]