Celebrating Samuel Johnson
All over the English-speaking world, people are celebrating the 300th birthday of Samuel Johnson. The British man of letters made innumerable contributions to literature, creating an important dictionary and becoming a prolific poet, storyteller, critic, translator, political pamphleteer and letter writer.
Cornell’s library has a particularly strong collection of Johnson’s work, including first editions of all his major works and a rare series of 20 color etchings. Some of the most important and interesting items will be on display starting Sept. 9.
Featured in the exhibition will be first editions of books, including the “Dictionary of the English Language,” and portraits and anecdotes about Johnson’s friends.
Visit the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections in Kroch Library, level 2B, to check out the exhibition.
- Gwen Glazer