Description

pp. 268, “This book examines Samuel Johnson’s literary activity from his arrival in London in 1737 until his decision to attempt the Dictionary of the English Language in 1746. Focusing on his struggles as a writer for hire, The Early Career of Samuel Johnson, examines the many and varied projects he undertook–from the editorship of the Gentleman’s Magazine through a catalogue of the Harleian Library–and puts them in their historical and social perspective. By exploring such failed projects as the aborted translation of Sarpi’s History of the Council of Trent and the first attempt to edit Shakespeare, Kaminski reveals the young Johnson’s intentions and aspirations as well as his achievements. Johnson’s labors and earnings are discussed in the context of the other “hack writers” of the day, with some surprising insights into both his poverty and his productivity.”