A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel…

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A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel…

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By Dominic Thompson Posted on Apr 1, 2026

In Category - Human Biology

Authors: Courtenay, John, 1738-1816 Published By : Courtenay, John, 1738-1816

Book Language: English

Okay, hear me out. I just read this wild 18th-century poem that’s basically a 300-page roast session disguised as a tribute. It’s called ‘A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel Johnson.’ The author, John Courtenay, was supposedly a friend of the legendary Dr. Johnson. But after Johnson dies, Courtenay publishes this thing. The big mystery? Is it a sincere, if quirky, homage from a grieving pal? Or is it the most elaborate, backhanded compliment in literary history? He praises Johnson’s massive mind and his famous dictionary, but then he spends just as much time poking fun at his rough manners, his political rants, and his, let’s say, ‘substantial’ physical presence. The whole book feels like a tightrope walk between respect and ridicule. You keep turning the pages asking: ‘Is he for real?’ It’s a fascinating, bizarre, and surprisingly juicy look at how we remember our giants—flaws, genius, and all. If you like literary gossip with your history, this is a must.

File: A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel…

Let's set the scene: London, 1786. The great Samuel Johnson—critic, poet, dictionary-maker—has just passed away. The literary world is in mourning. Then, his friend and fellow MP, John Courtenay, drops this epic poem. It's not a short elegy; it's a full-length, detailed 'review' of the man's life and work, written in rhyming couplets.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, Courtenay takes us on a guided tour of Johnson's legacy. He starts with genuine praise, celebrating Johnson's brilliant mind and his monumental achievement: the Dictionary of the English Language. He calls him a defender of moral and literary standards. But then, the tone starts to shift. Courtenay doesn't shy away from Johnson's less polished sides. He writes about Johnson's famous bluntness and how it could offend people, his stubborn Tory politics, and even makes gentle (and not-so-gentle) jokes about his large physique and untidy appearance. The poem swings back and forth, from lofty praise to cheeky observation, creating a portrait that is anything but simple.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a personality capsule. It shows us how a contemporary—a friend, no less—saw a legend. Today, Johnson is a marble bust of English literature. Here, he's a real, complicated, and sometimes difficult person. The most compelling part is figuring out Courtenay's true feelings. Is he honoring Johnson by presenting the whole, unfiltered truth? Or is there a layer of resentment or rivalry peeking through the fancy verses? Reading it feels like eavesdropping on 18th-century intellectuals. You get the public praise and the private sighs all in one package. It makes history feel alive, messy, and human.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who are tired of dry biographies, or for anyone who loves a good literary mystery. If you enjoy Boswell's Life of Johnson but sometimes wished for a bit more gossip, this is your unofficial companion. It’s also a great pick for writers, because it’s a masterclass in layered meaning and subtext. Fair warning: the 18th-century poetic style takes a few pages to get used to, but once you're in, it's utterly absorbing. This isn't a definitive biography; it's a fascinating, opinionated, and unforgettable snapshot.

ℹ️ Community Domain

This is a copyright-free edition. It serves as a testament to our shared literary heritage.