This work investigates the extensive body of critical scholarship surrounding the life and writings of Samuel Johnson to provide a comprehensive bibliographical record. The authors, Donald Johnson Greene and James L. Clifford, leverage their expertise in eighteenth-century literature to organize and evaluate decades of academic output. By categorizing critical studies, they establish a structured framework that allows researchers to navigate the evolution of Johnsonian scholarship from the eighteenth century through the mid-twentieth century.

Scholars and librarians frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference tool for anyone conducting serious research on Samuel Johnson. The text is noted for its meticulous organization and the depth of its bibliographical coverage, making it an essential resource for academic libraries.