Doctor Johnson HIS LIFE WORKS & TABLE TALK Centenary Edition London T. FISHER UNWIN 26, PATERNOSTER SQUARE MDCCCLXXXIV. S EVENTY years ago Lord Byron, speaking of Johnson's "Lives of the Poets," which he de scribed as "the finest critical work extant," said, "The opinion of that truly great man, whom it is the present fashion to decry, will ever be received by me with that deference which time will restore to him from all." If there was a temporary eclipse of the fame and popularity of Johnson it has long since passed away. In every land where the English tongue is spoken, his name is mentioned with respect and honour. The centenary of his death, in 1784, being celebrated in his native city of Lichfield, this little book is offered as a tribute to the memory of one who, as a man even more than as an author, was recognized as the chief of the republic of letters in the eighteenth century. May the shadow of his great name never grow less, nor the influence of his noble character ever be diminished! JAMES MACAULAY, M.A., M.D. Editor of the "Leisure Hour." |