THE

LIVES

OF THE MOST EMINENT

ENGLISH POETS:

WITH

Critical Observations

ON THEIR

WORKS.

BY SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL. D.

IN FOUR VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

EDINBURGH:

PRINTED FOR

JAMES SAWERS, CALTON-STREET.

M.DCCC.XVIII.

DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON, who has been justly styled the brightest ornament of the eighteenth century, was born in the city of Litchfield, in Staffordshire, on the eighteenth of September, 1709. His father, Michael, was a bookseller; and must have had some reputation in the city, as he more than once bore the office of chief magistrate. By what casuistical reasoning he reconciled his conscience to the oaths required to be taken by all who occupy such stations, cannot now be known; but it is certain, that he was zealously attached to the exiled family, and instilled the same principles into the youthful mind of his son. So much was he in earnest in this work, and at so early a period did he commence it, that when Dr. Sacheverel, in his memorable tour through England, came to Litchfield, Mr. Johnson carried his son, not then quite three years old, to the cathedral, and placed him on his shoulders, that he might see as well as hear that far-famed preacher.

VOL. I.

a