The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Eleven Volumes, Volume 06 Reviews, Political Tracts, and Lives of Eminent Persons

Samuel Johnson’s sixth volume gathers a lively assortment of his essays, reviews, and short biographies, offering a window into the mind of one of the era’s most incisive critics. Readers will encounter his thoughtful appraisal of works ranging from Du Halde’s exhaustive survey of China to Newton’s scientific correspondence, each piece revealing Johnson’s blend of moral reflection and keen observation. His commentary on contemporary politics—whether the contentious Falkland Islands dispute or the heated debate over American taxation—shows a writer unafraid to weigh in on the pressing issues of his day.

Interwoven with these essays are vivid sketches of notable figures such as Sir Francis Drake, the philosopher Boerhaave, and the poet Blake, presented with the same blend of admiration and critical rigor that marks Johnson’s prose. The volume captures his talent for turning scholarly review into engaging, accessible discourse, inviting listeners to explore the intellectual currents of the mid‑18th century through the eyes of a master essayist.