Robert DeMaria

If readers of the twentieth century feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of writing and information, they can find in Samuel Johnson a sympathetic companion. Johnson's career coincided with the rapid expansion of publishing in England-not only in English, but in Latin and Greek; not only in books, but in reviews, journals, broadsides, pamphlets, and books about books. In 1753 Johnson imagined a time when "writers will, perhaps, be multiplied, till no readers will be found." Three years later, he wrote that England had become "a nation of authors" in which "every man must be content to read his book to himself." In Samuel Johnson and the Life of Reading, Robert DeMaria considers the surprising influence of one of the greatest readers in English literature. Johnson's relationship to books not only reveals much about his life and times, DeMaria contends, but also provides a dramatic counterpoint to modern reading habits. As a superior practitioner of the craft, Johnson provides a compelling model for how to read-indeed, he provides different models for different kinds of reading. DeMaria shows how Johnson recognized early that not all reading was alike-some requiring intense concentration, some suited for cursory glances, some requiring silence, some best appreciated amid the chatter of a coffeehouse. Considering the remarkable range of Johnson's reading, DeMaria discovers in one extraordinary career a synoptic view of the subject of reading.

Samuel Johnson is a towering figure of eighteenth-century literature. As well as the celebrated Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson was the leading literary critic of his time, and a celebrated author who contributed to almost every genre from poetry to political pamphleteering. At the same time, an enduring legend developed around him, culminating in James Boswell's classic biography. This book offers a concise introduction to Johnson's many-sided work, and its complex and rich historical contexts. Presenting Johnson in his different guises – Journalist, Poet and Storyteller, Scholar, Critic, Political and Social Thinker, Biographer and Legend – it carefully guides the reader through Johnson's writings, and provides detailed expert treatments of his major texts.

Samuel Johnson is a towering figure of eighteenth-century literature. As well as the celebrated Dictionary of the English Language, Johnson was the leading literary critic of his time, and a celebrated author who contributed to almost every genre from poetry to political pamphleteering. At the same time, an enduring legend developed around him, culminating in James Boswell's classic biography. This book offers a concise introduction to Johnson's many-sided work, and its complex and rich historical contexts. Presenting Johnson in his different guises – Journalist, Poet and Storyteller, Scholar, Critic, Political and Social Thinker, Biographer and Legend – it carefully guides the reader through Johnson's writings, and provides detailed expert treatments of his major texts.

Spanning the period from the British Civil War to the French Revolution, the fourth edition of this successful anthology increases its coverage of canonical writings, plays, and of the development of British Literature in the American colonies. A thoroughly updated new edition of this popular anthology which focuses firmly on the eighteenth century without neglecting the seventeenth centuryContains new texts including the play Rover by Aphra Behn, and Beggars' Opera by John Gay; increased canonical works, including works by Dryden, Pope, and Johnson; and historical contextual materials, with particualr attention to the AmericasFeatures updated introductions throughout, taking into acccount recent critical works and editionsIncludes useful resources such as an alternative list of contents by theme, and a chronolgy of literary and political events, providing valuable historical and cultural context

How to steward your body wellBeloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)Are you caught in a tug-of-war between pursuing a healthier lifestyle and settling for average? Did you know that you can build a better you by making a series of simple daily choices? Join Dr. Bob DeMaria as he offers 35 years of professional medical expertise and solid Scriptural insight to help improve your health and transform your life in the comfort of your own home. In Dr. Bob's book, you will learn: -365 easy ways to change your diet, improve your sleep, and enhance your exercise -Secrets to preventing (and dealing with) diabetes, cancer, IBS, gallstones, menopause, headaches, and more. This journey will equip you with priceless information, empower you to make necessary improvements, and enable you to be a good steward of the body God has given you.

"The College Handbook Of Creative Writing", a best-selling handbook designed for all levels of writing from introductory to advanced, covers all the necessary fundamentals for creative writing across the genres of fiction, poetry, and drama.

In this major revision of The Life of Samuel Johnson, Robert DeMaria makes a compelling claim for the attention of a new generation of Johnson's readers and admirers.