Samuel Johnson's Milestones

Samuel Johnson was an English writer, lexicographer, and critic, best known for compiling A Dictionary of the English Language and for his influential essays, poems, and literary criticism.
1709

Birth

Samuel Johnson was born in Lichfield, England, to Michael Johnson and Sarah Ford.

Family September 18, 1709
1712

Early childhood illness and royal touch

As a child, Johnson suffered from scrofula and was touched by Queen Anne in an attempt to cure him, leaving him with lifelong scars.

Other March 30, 1712
1717

Attended Lichfield Grammar School

Attended Lichfield Grammar School, excelling in Latin and literature.

Education January 1, 1717 - October 1, 1728
1728

Attended Pembroke College

Attended Pembroke College, Oxford, but left due to financial difficulties.

Education October 31, 1728 - December 1, 1729
1731

Father's death

Johnson's father, Michael Johnson, died, leaving the family in debt and Johnson deeply affected.

Family December 1, 1731
1735

First published translation

Published his first book, a translation of Jerónimo Lobo's 'A Voyage to Abyssinia.'

Achievement January 1, 1735

Married Elizabeth Porter

Married Elizabeth Porter ('Tetty'), a widow 20 years his senior.

Relationship July 9, 1735
1736

Opened school at Edial

Opened a private school at Edial, Staffordshire, which soon closed.

Career January 1, 1736 - January 1, 1737
1737

Moved to London

Moved to London to pursue a literary career.

Location March 2, 1737
1738

Published 'London'

Published the poem 'London,' gaining critical attention.

Achievement May 1, 1738
1749

Published 'The Vanity of Human Wishes'

Published 'The Vanity of Human Wishes,' his most famous poem.

Achievement January 1, 1749

First play 'Irene' staged

His tragedy 'Irene' was performed at Drury Lane Theatre.

Achievement February 6, 1749
1750

Published 'The Rambler'

Published 'The Rambler,' a series of influential essays.

Achievement March 20, 1750 - March 14, 1752
1752

Death of wife Elizabeth

Johnson's wife Elizabeth died, leaving him devastated.

Relationship March 17, 1752
1755

Published 'A Dictionary of the English Language'

Published 'A Dictionary of the English Language,' a landmark in English lexicography.

Achievement April 15, 1755
1758

Published 'The Idler'

Published 'The Idler,' a weekly series of essays.

Achievement April 15, 1758 - April 5, 1760
1763

Met James Boswell

Met James Boswell, who would become his close friend and biographer.

Relationship May 16, 1763
1764

Founded The Club

Co-founded The Club, a famous London literary society, with Joshua Reynolds.

Achievement February 1, 1764
1765

Published edition of Shakespeare

Published his influential edition of Shakespeare's plays.

Achievement October 10, 1765
1773

Journey to Scotland and Hebrides

Traveled to Scotland and the Hebrides with Boswell, later publishing an account of the journey.

Achievement August 6, 1773 - November 13, 1773
1779

Published 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets'

Published 'Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets,' a major biographical work.

Achievement March 1, 1779 - March 1, 1781
1783

Final illness and last visits

Suffered a stroke and declining health; received visits from friends and wrote final letters.

Other June 17, 1783 - December 13, 1784
1784

Death

Samuel Johnson died in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Other December 13, 1784