Lives of the Poets - 1968 2 Vol. Set

A towering achievement of English literary criticism, *The Lives of the Poets* stands as Samuel Johnson's final work. Published between 1779 and 1781, this monumental collection presents biographical and critical accounts of fifty-two English poets, from Abraham Cowley to Thomas Gray. Johnson combines sharp critical judgment with profound humanity, offering vivid portraits of the poets as complex individuals navigating ambition, disappointment, and mortality. His assessments are refreshingly candid—he praises Milton's genius while questioning his politics, and famously dismisses the metaphysical poets' conceits even as he illuminates their ingenuity. What makes this work enduring is Johnson's distinctive voice: authoritative yet personal, erudite yet accessible. His prose style—balanced, rhythmic, magisterial—has influenced generations of critics and biographers. *The Lives of the Poets* remains a profound meditation on literature, character, and the human condition. Essential reading for anyone interested in English poetry. - Lives of the Poets - Samuel Johnson. With an Introduction by Arthur Waugh Printed 1968, Oxford University Press, London Hardcover. Approx. 4x6in. 462 & 472pp. Name of previous owner on front endpapers; some tick marks on table of contents. Dustjackets have wear and tear on edges; Vol II's dj has a chip missing lower spine. Books are in otherwise good vintage condition.