The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol 10

“The critical apparatus of the Political Writings is magnificent: the notes tell us what we would want to know, there is a chronological table of political events alongside Johnson’s contributions to current affairs journalism, and there are detailed introductions to each piece. . . . It is Greene’s explanatory comments on the political background which are masterly. . . . Some of [Johnson’s] most exciting and stimulating writing is to be found in this volume, and it is well served by Professor Greene’s editing.”—Johnson Society

“Donald Greene has put all eighteenth-century historians in his debt.”—J. H. Plumb, Eighteenth Century Studies

“Although most of these twenty-four selections (including his four controversial tracts preceding the American uprising) were among the least available, and therefore least known, of Johnson’s writings, they are truly impressive on both political and literary grounds. This is without question the most ambitious volume yet released in the Yale series, and it will probably become—thanks to the efforts of Donald Greene—one of the most valuable.”—Ohio Review

“Well done.”—Choice

“The contents of this volume, and especially Greene’s introductions and notes, will force all of us to a better, that is more complex and detailed, understanding of Johnson’s conservatism, skepticism, and loyaties. . . . The deft summary of the Licensing Act and the outline of the argument of Taxation No Tyranny are models of their kind, while the summary of the Byng case and the Falkland Island business are more than splendid in their lucidity.”—Alan T. McKenzie, Georgia Review

“[Greene’s] edition is magnificent. Some of the 24 pieces he includes have never before been reprinted; all are usefully annotated, bringing to bear historical context and illustrations from Johnson’s other works. In long headnotes to each, Greene supplies what is in effect a connected narrative commentary on the development of Johnson’s political and economic thought. . . . All will find this volume the best context in which to read the political writings, and the most usable text in the Yale series so far.”—Virginia Quarterly

“An outstanding piece of editing and annotation. This is not simply another volume in a series. No other volume . . . has such full explanations of individual short pieces, such fascinating explications of historical points, or such challenging summations. Greene’s importance is not that of making available a mass of material which has up to this time been little read, but in . . . arguing for a radically new approach to Johnson’s political thought.”—James L. Clifford