The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 05

This volume gathers a lively assortment of Samuel Johnson’s shorter writings, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of one of the era’s most incisive critics. It opens with his famously modest yet determined “Plan of an English Dictionary,” where he defends the seemingly humble task of lexicography and sets the stage for his ambitious linguistic project. Scattered throughout are his sharp observations on Shakespeare, lively essays on agriculture and corn laws, and thoughtful pieces on legal and educational questions, each revealing his characteristic blend of moral seriousness and sparkling wit.

Interspersed are heartfelt prefaces, spirited defenses of fellow writers, and lively correspondence that showcase Johnson’s engagement with contemporary debates—from the merits of the Harleian Library to the practicalities of building Blackfriars Bridge. Listeners will also encounter his musings on drama, poetry, and the everyday concerns of 18th‑century England, all delivered in the clear, eloquent prose that made his reputation.

Together, these miscellaneous works form a vivid portrait of a thinker constantly probing language, literature, and society, inviting the audience to hear the same intellectual vigor that still resonates today.