Vindicating Milton: Poetic Misprision inJohnson's Dictionary of the English Language

摘要

HE RICH REPOSITORY OF TEXT(S) TO BE FOUND IN Samuel Johnson'sgreat Dictionary of the English Language (1755) presents an array of evidence,evidence potentially relevant to investigations of the structure of historical and linguistic, cultural and ideological phenomena. It also contains material relating to Samuel Johnson's intentions and procedures, and his attitudes to culture, politics, letters, and language, and to the inherited writings of his ancestors. The nature of this evidence is complex, however, because of the particular type of text the Dictionary manifests. Approaching this complexity requires a careful sensitivity to the life of text, context, and intertextuality. What constitutes evidence in the Dictionary, and evidence of or for what? How should the evidence be treated? Johnson's Dictionary was the first dictionary in English to include illustrations from authors to act as "authorities" and examples for the definitions and notes on usage; these tens of thousands of quotations have presented particular opportunities and challenges for scholars. Johnson's innovation provides a remarkable resource for investigations into his Dictionary, his attitudes, and literary history more generally. For some time, however, I have advised caution in the interpretation of the illustrative quotations, while still attempting to explore fruitful opportunities.'