Johnson's Lives of the Poets — Volume 1, written by Samuel Johnson in the 18th century, offers biographical accounts and critical analyses of notable English poets, including Joseph Addison, Richard Savage, and Jonathan Swift. This work examines not only their literary contributions but also the personal struggles they faced, providing a blend of artistic evaluation and historical commentary. The volume begins with an introduction by Henry Morley and includes insights into the socio-economic and emotional contexts of the poets' lives, making it a significant exploration of 17th and 18th-century English literature.
