SAMUEL JOHNSON: More Than a Lexicographer with John Byrne

In this talk, John Byrne will introduce Dr Johnson’s (1709-1784), life and consider his place in English literature, and the reasons why he is considered such a towering intellectual figure. He will discuss his major works: A Dictionary of the English Language, The Plays of William Shakespeare, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia (Rasselas), Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, and his journalism. Byrne will illustrate his lecture with a selection of important material from his internationally recognised library of Johnson’s works and Johnsoniana.

John Byrne is a retired solicitor and founding member of the Johnson Society of Australia. He is currently a Governor of Dr Johnson’s House, London, former President of The Johnson Society, (Lichfield), England (2008-9), former President of The Samuel Johnson Society of the West (USA ) (2008-9). He has been a Johnson Collector for over four decades and lectured widely in USA, UK and Australia.

Joshua Reynolds (1723 – 1792), Portrait of Samuel Johnson, 1775, collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London