Samuel Johnson and the Making of Modern England [Hardcover]

Nicholas Hudson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521831253 | ISBN-13: 978-0521831253 | Publication Date: November 3, 2003 | Edition: 1st, First Edition

One of the most renowned authors of the eighteenth century, Samuel Johnson became a symbol of English national identity in the century following his death in 1784. Nicholas Hudson examines his contribution to the creation of the modern English identity, focusing on his attitudes towards class, feminism, party politics, the public sphere, nationalism, and imperialism. This new view of Johnson reflects the nature of English nationhood.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Those seeking a rich rendering of the historical particulars that defined the Age of Johnson and its impact will find much of interest in Hudson." Eighteenth Century Fiction

"...the author's careful research, engaging style of writing, and amiable tone make this a book that will please both literary critics and historians. No matter what you think of Samuel Johnson, as writer or man, this volume will give you a better appreciation of the author of The Rambler, Rasselas, and Lives of the Poets, by presenting, not 'the Age of Johnson,' but 'Johnson within his Age.'" Albion, Paul Monod

Book Description

Samuel Johnson, one of the most renowned authors of the eighteenth-century, became virtually a symbol of English national identity in the century following his death in 1784. Nicholas Hudson's Samuel Johnson and the Making of Modern England examines his contribution to the creation of the modern English identity, focussing on his attitudes towards class, feminism, party politics, the public sphere, nationalism, and imperialism. This book offers an entirely fresh look at Johnson and on the nature of English nationhood.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st, First Edition edition (November 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521831253
• ISBN-13: 978-0521831253
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,543,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Johnson's Age, October 30, 2010

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Christian Schlect (Yakima, Washington/USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Samuel Johnson and the Making of Modern England (Hardcover)

A fine scholar's view of the emergence of England, in terms of society, economics, politics, and empire, when Samuel Johnson stode the earth.

This book will be most enjoyed by those especially interested in 18th century England and Dr. Johnson and, after having been read, deserves a place on the home bookshelf.

I do think those who already have read a general biography or two about Dr. Johnson (James Boswell's remains one of the best biographies ever written) will enjoy Professor Hudson's book more than those who will read it with no prior knowledge of this great man's life.