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Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
- Narrated by: Neville Jason
- Length: 22 mins
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Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
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Editorial reviews
Having basically written the dictionary, Samuel Johnson is one interesting thinker. Here, Neville Jason has collected two of Johnson's best essays: "Solitude Not Eligible" and "Good Humor". In the former, Johnson argues that a lonely life makes poor sense. In the second, he praises the will to please; good humor, he explains, is the "balm of being". In his smooth and deep voice, Jason handles highbrow vocabulary with ease. Still, the outdated syntax proves trying at times. Perhaps let the illustrious words wash over you once and then give this production a second listen to get to its meat.
Publisher's summary
This is an essay from the Favorite Essays collection.
Here, in this unusual collection, are some of the greatest essays in Western literature. Witty, informative and imaginative, the topics vary from starvation in Ireland, fine China, the extension of railways in the Lake District, and the tombs in Westminster Abbey. A little like after-dinner monologues, they are passing thoughts expressed as journalism. Neville Jason reads with urbane clarity.
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What listeners say about Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- K. Wiens
- 10-10-16
Master of the English Language
A compilation essays composed by the man who created the Dictionary of the English Language all later English dictionaries are patterned after. His style of writing is challenging. He is quick witted, a top notch moralist and moralist.
He lived most of the eighteenth century. He will make anyone ponder long after putting the volume down the subjects he has covered.
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