The Lives of the English Poets

"The Lives of the English Poets" by Samuel Johnson is a biographical collection that explores the lives and works of renowned English poets from the 17th and 18th centuries. Johnson provides detailed, often personal insights into their characters, creative processes, and literary contributions, highlighting how their experiences shaped their poetry. The book aims to deepen understanding of each poet’s place in literary history, blending biography with critical analysis. Overall, it offers readers a scholarly yet accessible overview of key figures in English poetic tradition and the human stories behind their writings.