Samuel Johnson's Milestones
Birth
Samuel Johnson was born in Lichfield, England, to Michael Johnson and Sarah Ford.
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.
Attended Lichfield Grammar School
Attended Lichfield Grammar School, excelling in Latin and literature.
Attended Pembroke College
Attended Pembroke College, Oxford, but left due to financial difficulties.
Father's death
Johnson's father, Michael Johnson, died, leaving the family in debt and Johnson deeply affected.
First published translation
Published his first book, a translation of Jerónimo Lobo's 'A Voyage to Abyssinia.'
Married Elizabeth Porter
Married Elizabeth Porter ('Tetty'), a widow 20 years his senior.
Opened school at Edial
Opened a private school at Edial, Staffordshire, which soon closed.
Moved to London
Moved to London to pursue a literary career.
Published 'London'
Published the poem 'London,' gaining critical attention.
Published 'The Vanity of Human Wishes'
Published 'The Vanity of Human Wishes,' his most famous poem.
First play 'Irene' staged
His tragedy 'Irene' was performed at Drury Lane Theatre.
Published 'The Rambler'
Published 'The Rambler,' a series of influential essays.
Death of wife Elizabeth
Johnson's wife Elizabeth died, leaving him devastated.
Published 'A Dictionary of the English Language'
Published 'A Dictionary of the English Language,' a landmark in English lexicography.
Published 'The Idler'
Published 'The Idler,' a weekly series of essays.
Met James Boswell
Met James Boswell, who would become his close friend and biographer.
Founded The Club
Co-founded The Club, a famous London literary society, with Joshua Reynolds.
Published edition of Shakespeare
Published his influential edition of Shakespeare's plays.
Journey to Scotland and Hebrides
Traveled to Scotland and the Hebrides with Boswell, later publishing an account of the journey.
Published 'The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets'
Published 'Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets,' a major biographical work.
Final illness and last visits
Suffered a stroke and declining health; received visits from friends and wrote final letters.
Death
Samuel Johnson died in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.