Samuel Johnson

Events

3

Episodes

4

Years

1746–1754

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Samuel Johnson, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

1. Samuel Johnson begins work on A Dictionary of the English Language

   1746–1747

   Role: Author and compiler

   1. 1June 1746 · LondonContracting Johnson

      London booksellers contracted Johnson in June 1746 to write a dictionary for 1,500 guineas.

   2. 21747 · LondonDrafting the Plan

      By 1747, Johnson had written his Plan of a Dictionary, detailing his methodology.

2. Samuel Johnson's Dictionary Contract

   1746

   Role: Lexicographer and author

   1. 318 June 1746 · LondonContract Signing

      Johnson signed a 1,500-guinea contract with William Strahan and associates to write an authoritative English dictionary.

3. Classes Begin at King's College

   1754

   Role: First President

   1. 4July 1754 · Trinity Church groundsClasses Begin at King's College

      Academic instruction commenced in July 1754 under the leadership of Samuel Johnson at the Trinity Church site.

Sources

1. A Dictionary of the English Language Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-02
2. Samuel Johnson Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-19
3. Columbia University Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-28