The Major Works

By Samuel Johnson

Published: 2008

The Major WorksBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

First published, with revisions, as an Oxford world's classics paperback: 2000.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Major Works

About the Author

S

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was an influential English writer, lexicographer, and critic, best known for his work 'A Dictionary of the English Language' (1755), which was one of the first comprehensive dictionaries in the English language and greatly shaped modern lexicography. He also contributed significantly to English literature with notable works such as 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets' (1779) and the novel 'Rasselas' (1759). Johnson's writing style is characterized by its clarity, wit, and a moral depth, often reflecting his keen observations of human nature. His prose varies from the formal to the conversational, and he is celebrated for his ability to blend intellectual rigor with accessibility.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Samuel Johnson
Published
December 2008
Publisher
Oxford Paperbacks
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
890
Genres
ClassicsLiterature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Anna KareninaBook binding

Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsBook binding

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

Madame BovaryBook binding

Madame Bovary

Gustave Flaubert

GoogledBook binding

Googled

Ken Auletta

Eleven RingsBook binding

Eleven Rings

Phil Jackson, Hugh Delehanty

MessyBook binding

Messy

Tim Harford

The Five People You Meet in HeavenBook binding

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Mitch Albom

Dead People SuckBook binding

Dead People Suck

Laurie Kilmartin

The Body Reset DietBook binding

The Body Reset Diet

Harley Pasternak, M.Sc.

Who We Are and How We Got HereBook binding

Who We Are and How We Got Here

David Reich

Of Human BondageBook binding

Of Human Bondage

W. Somerset Maugham

Cry, the Beloved CountryBook binding

Cry, the Beloved Country

Alan Paton

Light in AugustBook binding

Light in August

William Faulkner

The Complete Novels of Jane AustenBook binding

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen

Jane Austen

MatildaBook binding

Matilda

Roald Dahl

Don QuixoteBook binding

Don Quixote

Miguel de Cervantes

Alpha GirlsBook binding

Alpha Girls

Julian Guthrie

The Complete Life's Little Instruction BookBook binding

The Complete Life's Little Instruction Book

H. Jackson Brown Jr.

PlentyBook binding

Plenty

Yotam Ottolenghi

Joel on SoftwareBook binding

Joel on Software

Avram Joel Spolsky

The Complete EssaysBook binding

The Complete Essays

Michel de Montaigne

HamletBook binding

Hamlet

William Shakespeare

One Bullet AwayBook binding

One Bullet Away

Nathaniel Fick

Lord JimBook binding

Lord Jim

Joseph Conrad

Mortal Questions (Canto Classics)Book binding

Mortal Questions (Canto Classics)

Thomas Nagel

Orwell: EssaysBook binding

Orwell: Essays

George Orwell

Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of InteriorsBook binding

Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

View Collection
Chelsea Handler's Book Recommendations

Chelsea Handler's Book Recommendations

Chelsea Handler is an American comedian, actress, author, and talk show host, best known for her late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on E!. Handler's bold, unapologetic humor and outspoken views on politics, gender, and social issues have made her a prominent figure in comedy and media. In addition to her TV career, she has written several best-selling books, including Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, and has been a strong advocate for political activism and mental health awareness. Handler continues to be a leading voice in entertainment and social commentary, using her platform to challenge norms and promote change.

View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations

Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Gwyneth Paltrow's Book Recommendations

Gwyneth Paltrow's Book Recommendations

Gwyneth Paltrow is an acclaimed actress and entrepreneur, best known for her roles in films such as "Shakespeare in Love," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Beyond her acting career, she is a celebrated author and wellness guru, founding the lifestyle brand Goop in 2008. Paltrow has authored several best-selling cookbooks, including "My Father's Daughter" and "It's All Good," which emphasize healthy living and nutritious recipes. Her work in literature has significantly contributed to the wellness and lifestyle genres, inspiring many to pursue healthier lifestyles. Paltrow continues to influence the wellness industry through her writing and entrepreneurial endeavors.

View Collection
Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Book Recommendations

Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American author, scholar, and risk analyst, best known for his work on uncertainty, probability, and risk. His books, including The Black Swan and Antifragile, explore how rare and unpredictable events shape the world and how individuals and systems can become more resilient to shocks. Taleb’s insights on risk management have influenced fields ranging from finance to medicine, and he is known for his outspoken criticism of conventional wisdom. His ideas about randomness, decision-making, and the limitations of human knowledge have made him a leading thinker in modern economics and philosophy.

View Collection
Patrick Rothfuss's Book Recommendations

Patrick Rothfuss's Book Recommendations

Patrick Rothfuss is a celebrated American fantasy author best known for his acclaimed series "The Kingkiller Chronicle," which includes the novels "The Name of the Wind" and "The Wise Man's Fear." His debut novel, "The Name of the Wind," won the prestigious Quill Award and established him as a significant voice in contemporary fantasy literature. Rothfuss's intricate world-building and lyrical prose have garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical praise. Beyond his writing, he is also a philanthropist, founding the charity Worldbuilders, which supports Heifer International. Rothfuss continues to influence the genre with his ongoing work and active engagement with his readers.

View Collection
Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel's Book Recommendations

Esther Perel is a renowned Belgian psychotherapist and author, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in the field of relationships and sexuality. She is best known for her best-selling books "Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence" and "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity," which explore the complexities of modern love and desire. Perel's insightful TED Talks have garnered millions of views, further establishing her as a leading voice on intimacy and human connection. She also hosts the popular podcast "Where Should We Begin?" where she provides a candid look into the intricacies of couples therapy. Perel's innovative perspectives have significantly influenced contemporary discussions on relationships, making her a pivotal figure in both psychology and literature.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011) was a prolific British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his sharp wit and unapologetic criticism of religion and political figures. He penned numerous books, including the best-selling "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," which cemented his reputation as a leading public intellectual and outspoken atheist. Hitchens contributed regularly to prominent publications such as Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Atlantic, showcasing his wide-ranging knowledge and incisive commentary. He was also lauded for his powerful oratory skills, engaging in countless debates and lectures worldwide. His memoir, "Hitch-22," offers an introspective look into his life, further solidifying his legacy as a formidable voice in contemporary literature and thought.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions