This collection investigates the breadth and intellectual depth of Samuel Johnson's contributions to 18th-century English literature and thought. Donald Greene, a noted scholar of the period, curates a comprehensive selection of Johnson's work to demonstrate his versatility as a critic, essayist, and poet. By organizing these primary texts, the book argues for Johnson's enduring relevance as a moralist and a master of the English language.

Scholars and students of 18th-century literature frequently cite this edition as a reliable and well-organized entry point into Johnson's diverse body of work. Experts highlight the editorial choices as effective for capturing the nuance of Johnson's prose style and critical methodology.