The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750) By: Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
The book I recently delved into is an intriguing collection of works by Samuel Johnson, namely "The Vanity of Human Wishes" and Two Rambler papers. As a renowned literary figure of the 18th century, Johnson's writing style and thought-provoking themes never cease to captivate readers. "The Vanity of Human Wishes" presents a complex exploration of the human condition, with Johnson delving into the inherent flaws and desires that plague us all. Written in the form of a poem, the verses are rich with insightful observations and deep reflections on the futility of our worldly ambitions. Through vivid imagery and eloquent language, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the universal pursuit of wealth, power, and fame and highlights their ultimate emptiness. Perhaps what truly sets Johnson's work apart is his ability to combine intellectual depth with a keen understanding of human nature. He dissects the flaws, aspirations, and delusions that permeate society, allowing readers to contemplate the true nature of their own desires and ambitions. With a blend of pessimism and realism, the poet exemplifies his mastery of language, brevity, and profundity, seamlessly weaving together various historical references and philosophical concepts. Alongside "The Vanity of Human Wishes," this collection includes Two Rambler papers, a series of essays that Johnson penned a year later. These papers continue to showcase Johnson's skill in dissecting the human psyche, as he delves into diverse topics such as morality, friendship, and the transient nature of life. Each essay reveals profound insights into the human condition, wrapped in eloquent prose that effortlessly captures the readers' attention. One cannot help but be in awe of Johnson's ability to engage readers intellectually while maintaining an emotional connection through his writing. His keen observations and incisive rhetoric continually provoke thought and stimulate self-reflection. It is evident that Johnson was not only a scholar but also a philosopher who sought to unravel the complexities of human existence. In conclusion, the collection of works by Samuel Johnson, featuring "The Vanity of Human Wishes" and Two Rambler papers, is a testament to his literary genius. Through his poetic verses and insightful essays, Johnson showcases his profound understanding of the human psyche and exposes the futility of our ambitions. This book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, offering readers an opportunity to engage with age-old questions that continue to resonate today. First Page: The Augustan Reprint Society SAMUEL JOHNSON The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750) With an Introduction by Bertrand H. Bronson Publication Number 22 (Series VI, No. 2) Los Angeles William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California 1950 GENERAL EDITORS H. RICHARD ARCHER, Clark Memorial Library RICHARD C. BOYS, University of Michigan EDWARD NILES HOOKER, University of California, Los Angeles H.T. SWEDENBERG, JR., University of California, Los Angeles ASSISTANT EDITORS W. EARL BRITTON, University of Michigan JOHN LOFTIS, University of California, Los Angeles ADVISORY EDITORS EMMETT L. AVERY, State College of Washington BENJAMIN BOYCE, University of Nebraska LOUIS I. BREDVOLD, University of Michigan CLEANTH BROOKS, Yale University JAMES L. CLIFFORD, Columbia University ARTHUR FRIEDMAN, University of Chicago SAMUEL H. MONK, University of Minnesota ERNEST MOSSNER, University of Texas JAMES SUTHERLAND, Queen Mary College, London INTRODUCTION The pieces reproduced in this little volume are now beginning to bid for notice from their third century of readers. At the time they were written, although Johnson had already done enough miscellaneous literary work to fill several substantial volumes, his name, far from identifying an "Age", was virtually unknown to the general public... Continue reading book >>

The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750) By: Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

The book I recently delved into is an intriguing collection of works by Samuel Johnson, namely "The Vanity of Human Wishes" and Two Rambler papers. As a renowned literary figure of the 18th century, Johnson's writing style and thought-provoking themes never cease to captivate readers.

"The Vanity of Human Wishes" presents a complex exploration of the human condition, with Johnson delving into the inherent flaws and desires that plague us all. Written in the form of a poem, the verses are rich with insightful observations and deep reflections on the futility of our worldly ambitions. Through vivid imagery and eloquent language, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the universal pursuit of wealth, power, and fame and highlights their ultimate emptiness.

Perhaps what truly sets Johnson's work apart is his ability to combine intellectual depth with a keen understanding of human nature. He dissects the flaws, aspirations, and delusions that permeate society, allowing readers to contemplate the true nature of their own desires and ambitions. With a blend of pessimism and realism, the poet exemplifies his mastery of language, brevity, and profundity, seamlessly weaving together various historical references and philosophical concepts.

Alongside "The Vanity of Human Wishes," this collection includes Two Rambler papers, a series of essays that Johnson penned a year later. These papers continue to showcase Johnson's skill in dissecting the human psyche, as he delves into diverse topics such as morality, friendship, and the transient nature of life. Each essay reveals profound insights into the human condition, wrapped in eloquent prose that effortlessly captures the readers' attention.

One cannot help but be in awe of Johnson's ability to engage readers intellectually while maintaining an emotional connection through his writing. His keen observations and incisive rhetoric continually provoke thought and stimulate self-reflection. It is evident that Johnson was not only a scholar but also a philosopher who sought to unravel the complexities of human existence.

In conclusion, the collection of works by Samuel Johnson, featuring "The Vanity of Human Wishes" and Two Rambler papers, is a testament to his literary genius. Through his poetic verses and insightful essays, Johnson showcases his profound understanding of the human psyche and exposes the futility of our ambitions. This book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, offering readers an opportunity to engage with age-old questions that continue to resonate today.

First Page:

The Augustan Reprint Society

SAMUEL JOHNSON

The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749)

and

Two Rambler papers (1750)

With an Introduction by Bertrand H. Bronson

Publication Number 22 (Series VI, No. 2)

Los Angeles William Andrews Clark Memorial Library University of California 1950

GENERAL EDITORS

H. RICHARD ARCHER, Clark Memorial Library RICHARD C. BOYS, University of Michigan EDWARD NILES HOOKER, University of California, Los Angeles H.T. SWEDENBERG, JR., University of California, Los Angeles

ASSISTANT EDITORS

W. EARL BRITTON, University of Michigan JOHN LOFTIS, University of California, Los Angeles

ADVISORY EDITORS

EMMETT L. AVERY, State College of Washington BENJAMIN BOYCE, University of Nebraska LOUIS I. BREDVOLD, University of Michigan CLEANTH BROOKS, Yale University JAMES L. CLIFFORD, Columbia University ARTHUR FRIEDMAN, University of Chicago SAMUEL H. MONK, University of Minnesota ERNEST MOSSNER, University of Texas JAMES SUTHERLAND, Queen Mary College, London

INTRODUCTION

The pieces reproduced in this little volume are now beginning to bid for notice from their third century of readers. At the time they were written, although Johnson had already done enough miscellaneous literary work to fill several substantial volumes, his name, far from identifying an "Age", was virtually unknown to the general public... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – Samuel Johnson
Wikipedia – The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750)

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac