Lives of the English Poets : Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope By: Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
In Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope, Samuel Johnson presents a captivating exploration of the lives and literary works of four influential English poets of the 18th century. As an accomplished writer, critic, and lexicographer, Johnson brings his insightful analysis, extensive research, and eloquent writing style to shed light on the lives and works of these poets. The book begins by examining the life and poetry of Matthew Prior, a poet known for his wit and political satire. Johnson delves deep into Prior's upbringing, education, and career, providing valuable context for understanding his works. The author highlights the interplay between Prior's personal experiences and his poetic output, offering a nuanced perspective on this notable figure in English literature. Moving on, Johnson turns his attention to William Congreve, a renowned playwright, poet, and novelist. With meticulous attention to detail, Johnson unveils the lesser-known aspects of Congreve's life and delves into his influential works. By analyzing Congreve's poetry, plays, and prose, the author uncovers the themes, techniques, and impact of his literary contributions, making a compelling case for reevaluating the poet's significance in the canon. The subsequent chapters explore the life and works of Richard Blackmore, a versatile poet celebrated in his time but somewhat overlooked in literary history. Johnson unearths Blackmore's achievements and challenges, providing illuminating insights into his poetry, infusing it with a newfound appreciation. By contextualizing Blackmore's works within the socio-political climate of the era, the author restores Blackmore as a significant voice in English poetry. Lastly, Johnson dedicates a substantial portion of the book to examining the life and works of Alexander Pope, considered by many as one of the greatest poets of the English language. With rich biographical detail and comprehensive analysis, Johnson portrays Pope's complex personality, struggles, and triumphs. The author dissects Pope's iconic works, such as "The Rape of the Lock" and "Essay on Man," unraveling the brilliance of his poetic genius and providing a profound understanding of his lasting impact on English poetry. Throughout Lives of the English Poets, Samuel Johnson's erudition shines as he skillfully weaves together biography, literary criticism, and historical context. The book not only offers a comprehensive overview of the lives and works of these poets but also invites readers to appreciate the nuances of their creativity, their contributions to the literary landscape, and their lasting influence on subsequent generations of poets. While the book delves deep into the lives and poetry of these four English poets, it also serves as a testament to Johnson's own literary prowess. His distinctive prose, meticulous research, and insightful commentary elevate this work into more than just a collection of biographical sketches. It is a literary achievement in itself, a testament to Johnson's influence and enduring legacy as one of the most eminent figures in English letters. In conclusion, Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope by Samuel Johnson offers an in-depth exploration of the lives, works, and significance of four influential 18th-century English poets. With meticulous research, insightful analysis, and eloquent prose, Johnson presents a captivating journey through literary history, inviting readers to delve into the lives and works of these poets and gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the English poetic tradition. First Page: THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS: PRIOR, CONGREVE, BLACKMORE AND POPE INTRODUCTION When, at the age of sixty eight, Johnson was writing these "Lives of the English Poets," he had caused omissions to be made from the poems of Rochester, and was asked whether he would allow the printers to give all the verse of Prior. Boswell quoted a censure by Lord Hailes of "those impure tales which will be the eternal opprobrium of their ingenious author." Johnson replied, "Sir, Lord Hailes has forgot. There is nothing in Prior that will excite to lewdness;" and when Boswell further urged, he put his questionings aside, and added, "No, sir, Prior is a lady's book. No lady is ashamed to have it standing in her library." Johnson distinguished strongly, as every wise man does, between offence against convention, and offence against morality. In Congreve's plays he recognised the wit but condemned the morals, and in the case of Blackmore the regard for the religious purpose of Blackmore's poem on "The Creation" gave to Johnson, as to Addison, an undue sense of its literary value. With his "Life of Pope," which occupies more than two thirds of this volume, Johnson took especial pains. "He wrote it," says Boswell, "'con amore,' both from the early possession which that writer had taken of his mind, and from the pleasure which he must have felt in for ever silencing all attempts to lessen his poetical fame... Continue reading book >>

Lives of the English Poets : Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope By: Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

In Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope, Samuel Johnson presents a captivating exploration of the lives and literary works of four influential English poets of the 18th century. As an accomplished writer, critic, and lexicographer, Johnson brings his insightful analysis, extensive research, and eloquent writing style to shed light on the lives and works of these poets.

The book begins by examining the life and poetry of Matthew Prior, a poet known for his wit and political satire. Johnson delves deep into Prior's upbringing, education, and career, providing valuable context for understanding his works. The author highlights the interplay between Prior's personal experiences and his poetic output, offering a nuanced perspective on this notable figure in English literature.

Moving on, Johnson turns his attention to William Congreve, a renowned playwright, poet, and novelist. With meticulous attention to detail, Johnson unveils the lesser-known aspects of Congreve's life and delves into his influential works. By analyzing Congreve's poetry, plays, and prose, the author uncovers the themes, techniques, and impact of his literary contributions, making a compelling case for reevaluating the poet's significance in the canon.

The subsequent chapters explore the life and works of Richard Blackmore, a versatile poet celebrated in his time but somewhat overlooked in literary history. Johnson unearths Blackmore's achievements and challenges, providing illuminating insights into his poetry, infusing it with a newfound appreciation. By contextualizing Blackmore's works within the socio-political climate of the era, the author restores Blackmore as a significant voice in English poetry.

Lastly, Johnson dedicates a substantial portion of the book to examining the life and works of Alexander Pope, considered by many as one of the greatest poets of the English language. With rich biographical detail and comprehensive analysis, Johnson portrays Pope's complex personality, struggles, and triumphs. The author dissects Pope's iconic works, such as "The Rape of the Lock" and "Essay on Man," unraveling the brilliance of his poetic genius and providing a profound understanding of his lasting impact on English poetry.

Throughout Lives of the English Poets, Samuel Johnson's erudition shines as he skillfully weaves together biography, literary criticism, and historical context. The book not only offers a comprehensive overview of the lives and works of these poets but also invites readers to appreciate the nuances of their creativity, their contributions to the literary landscape, and their lasting influence on subsequent generations of poets.

While the book delves deep into the lives and poetry of these four English poets, it also serves as a testament to Johnson's own literary prowess. His distinctive prose, meticulous research, and insightful commentary elevate this work into more than just a collection of biographical sketches. It is a literary achievement in itself, a testament to Johnson's influence and enduring legacy as one of the most eminent figures in English letters.

In conclusion, Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope by Samuel Johnson offers an in-depth exploration of the lives, works, and significance of four influential 18th-century English poets. With meticulous research, insightful analysis, and eloquent prose, Johnson presents a captivating journey through literary history, inviting readers to delve into the lives and works of these poets and gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the English poetic tradition.

First Page:

THE LIVES OF THE ENGLISH POETS: PRIOR, CONGREVE, BLACKMORE AND POPE

INTRODUCTION

When, at the age of sixty eight, Johnson was writing these "Lives of the English Poets," he had caused omissions to be made from the poems of Rochester, and was asked whether he would allow the printers to give all the verse of Prior. Boswell quoted a censure by Lord Hailes of "those impure tales which will be the eternal opprobrium of their ingenious author." Johnson replied, "Sir, Lord Hailes has forgot. There is nothing in Prior that will excite to lewdness;" and when Boswell further urged, he put his questionings aside, and added, "No, sir, Prior is a lady's book. No lady is ashamed to have it standing in her library." Johnson distinguished strongly, as every wise man does, between offence against convention, and offence against morality.

In Congreve's plays he recognised the wit but condemned the morals, and in the case of Blackmore the regard for the religious purpose of Blackmore's poem on "The Creation" gave to Johnson, as to Addison, an undue sense of its literary value.

With his "Life of Pope," which occupies more than two thirds of this volume, Johnson took especial pains. "He wrote it," says Boswell, "'con amore,' both from the early possession which that writer had taken of his mind, and from the pleasure which he must have felt in for ever silencing all attempts to lessen his poetical fame... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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