A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel Johnson (1786)

In the wake of Samuel Johnson’s death, the literary world erupted in a flood of tributes, and this three‑hundred‑line poem captures that feverish enthusiasm. Written by the Irish‑born parliamentarian John Courtenay and first issued in 1786, it offers a brisk, verse‑driven appraisal of Johnson’s genius and moral stature. Though Courtenay’s poetic skill was modest, the work rode the wave of “Johnsoniana,” satisfying a public eager for any fresh perspective on the beloved critic.

Beyond the verses themselves, the introduction reveals Courtenay’s own colorful career—his witty repartee, his controversial political pamphlets, and his eventual induction into the Literary Club after Johnson’s passing. His friendship with James Boswell, noted for its lively conversation and sharp observations, adds a personal dimension to the poem’s context. Listeners will gain a vivid snapshot of 18th‑century literary culture, the bustling gossip surrounding a towering figure, and the modest yet fascinating voice of a man who never met Johnson but sought to honor him in verse.