Judith Hawley, a Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature at Royal Holloway, delves into the chaotic genius of Samuel Johnson, the pioneering lexicographer. They explore his unconventional life, messy workspace, and the groundbreaking English dictionary he created. Hawley highlights Johnson's witty style, engagement with readers, and his unique editorial methods that shaped modern dictionaries. They also discuss his intellectual brilliance, friendships, struggles with mental health, and lasting legacy in the English language.
