DeMaria is himself a fine commentator, and some of his paraphrases outshine the originals... Bostonia
DeMaria's scrupulous patient exploration of the career in all its aspects is - right down to his book's informative and skillful Notes and Index - a heroic undertaking. He has carried it out beautifully. Professor William H. Pritchard, Amherst
DeMaria's penetrating biography... Gwin J. Kolb
Balanced, incisive, and wide-ranging... Bruce Redford
Robert DeMaria has written a learned and at times provocative work which undoubtedly adds to our understanding of the great man. The Times
Robert DeMaria has very nearly done it ... a thoroughly serious, even solemn Johnson. Keith Walker, TLS
This is a fine and original critical account. Literary Review
A pleasantly written, useful introduction to Johnson's writing. Library Journal
A very readable account. Times Educational Supplement
Johnson observed that people require reminding more often than instructing. Demaria's study provides both. Magill's Literary Annual 1994
Demaria's biography is a balanced book, and - as one might expect - a learned one. Studies in English Literature 1500-1900
An erudite, fact-packed work that delves into the social context for Johnson's writing. The Observer
Anyone wishing to enjoy a highly readable and informative book on Johnson should find a copy of Robert DeMaria's The Life of Samuel Johnson, A Critical Biography. Even the most ardent Johnsonian will learn something new, and it can be recommended to students without qualification... Most of the facts of Johnson's life are well known; DeMaria uses them to guide us on a journey through Johnson's intellectual landscape. Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association
A Note on the Form of Citation.
Preface.
1. Lichfield.
2. Oxford and Birmingham.
3. Irene.
4. London.
5. Early Biographical Writings.
6. Miscellaneous Prose.
7. The Harleian Library.
8. Johnson's Dictionary. .
9. The Vanity of Human Wishes.
10. The Rambler.
11. Sermons.
12. The Adventurer.
13. The Literary Magazine.
14. The Idler.
15. Rasselas.
16. Shakespeare.
17. Lectures on the English Law.
18. Late Political Writings.
19. A Jourey to the Western Islands of Scotland.
20. The Lives of the Poets.
21. Final Years.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index.