Presents a detailed biography and chronological survey of Johnson's work and then considers his religious and political attitudes and his place in intellectual history, demonstrating how he reformulated traditional ideas for a new world of science and commercialism. It provides a sketch of the 18th century literary schemes, discussing Johnson's extensive involvement in the literary life of his time, both as a professional writer and literary critic and it includes a detailed analysis of representatives passages and concludes with a reference section of biographies of significant figures in his life and work, places to visit and further reading.