Samuel Johnson & Thomas Parnell 
Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett 
With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes

The ‘Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett’ encapsulates a pivotal era in English literature, bringing together a diverse array of poetic voices from the 18th century. This anthology not only showcases the rich literary context from which it drawsspanning the Enlightenment to the burgeoning Romantic movementbut also highlights the individual and collective genius of its contributors. Through varied literary styles, including the didactic, the melancholic, and the satirical, this collection invites readers to traverse the landscape of human emotion and intellect, underscored by pieces that have defined and transcended their time. The anthology stands as a testament to the era’s dynamic interplay of reason and emotion, tradition and innovation, offering a comprehensive exploration of its thematic and stylistic diversity. The contributing authors Samuel Johnson, Thomas Parnell, Thomas Gray, and Tobias Smolletteach bring their unique perspectives and backgrounds, enriching the collection’s theme. Their collective works underscore pivotal historical, cultural, and literary movements, from the refined moral essays and critiques of Johnson to Gray’s elegiac lyricism and Smolletts picaresque humor. This confluence of voices not only mirrors the zeitgeist of their era but also illustrates the evolution of English poetry, from Neoclassicism to pre-Romantic sensibilities. For readers and scholars alike, ‘Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett’ offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the multifaceted world of 18th-century poetry. This anthology serves as both an educational resource and a portal to another era, allowing an exploration of themes that resonate with contemporary sensibilities. It beckons those interested in the depths of human experience, as reflected in the poetic imagination, to discover a rich dialogue between different authors works. Engaging with this collection promises not just an appreciation of its literary merits but an understanding of the broader cultural and intellectual currents that shaped an important chapter in the history of English literature.