Synopses & Reviews
When Samuel Johnson is discussed as an essayist, his <> and Idler are generally the works that are considered. This is the first study to take account of the effect of Johnson's essayistic talents on the entirety of his writing. Setting forth the particular characteristics of the genre that are present in Johnson's contributions to the political controversies of his time, this analysis examines those qualities of Johnson's thought and methods that naturally led to his dependence on the essay form in polemical engagements throughout his career. In detail, Spector's study then goes on to explore the manner in which Johnson employed the essay not only in forms normally related to the genre, but in literary types ordinarily considered remote from it. The <> and Idler, along with Johnson's periodical essays in the Adventurer, are themselves looked at from a fresh point of view—the ways in which Johnson the professional writer, without regard for posterity, addressed the interests of the common reader of his century.
Synopsis
This is the first study to assess the effect of Johnson's essayistic talents on the entirety of his writing.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [229]-236) and index.
About the Author
ROBERT D. SPECTOR is Professor Emeritus of English and coordinator of both the divisions of Humanities and of Communications, Fine and Performing Arts at Long Island University in Brooklyn.
Table of Contents
The Characteristic Essayist
Crossing the Genres
"Cater-Cousins" to the Essay
The Periodical Essays and the Common Reader
Notes
Bibliography
Index