Knowledge
Google Doodle celebrates British lexicographer Samuel Johnson’s 308th birthday today
Samuel Johnson, who wrote the English language’s first and most comprehensive dictionary in the 1750s, has been honoured by a Google Doodle on what would have been his 308th birthday.
Samuel Johnson, who wrote the English language's first and most comprehensive dictionary in the 1750s, has been honoured by a Google Doodle on what would have been his 308th birthday.
Samuel Johnson was born on 18 September 1709, to Michael Johnson, a bookseller, and his wife, Sarah Ford. After nine years of work, Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language was published in 1755. It had a far-reaching effect on Modern English and has been acclaimed as "one of the greatest single achievements of scholarship". This work brought Johnson popularity and success. Until the completion of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later, Johnson's was the pre-eminent British dictionary. It was “colossal” at nearly 18 inches tall!
Johnson was also a poet, essayist, critic, biographer and editor. Johnson’s dictionary was more than just a word list: his work provided a vast understanding of 18th century's language and culture.
His lasting contributions guarantee him a place in literary history.
