# Dr. Johnson — On the Art of Reading character guide

> Dr. Johnson in On the Art of Reading by Arthur Quiller-Couch.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Johnson, Dr.

**First appearance:** 0003-lecture-i-introductory

## Who they are

Samuel Johnson, the lexicographer and critic, cited for his literary judgments.

## In the story

### [Lecture IV: Children's Reading (II)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/chapters/lecture-iv-children-s-reading-ii)

Quoted on Gray's 'Elegy,' saying it abounds with images that find a mirror in every mind.

### [Lecture VI: On a School of English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/chapters/lecture-vi-on-a-school-of-english)

Listed among authors whose personal understanding is necessary for grasping their work.

### [Lecture VIII: On Reading the Bible (I)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/chapters/lecture-viii-on-reading-the-bible-i)

Listed by Newman as an example of a distinctive English style.

### [Lecture IX: On Reading the Bible (II)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/chapters/lecture-ix-on-reading-the-bible-ii)

Referenced for his antithetical style echoing the Bible.

### [Lecture XI: Of Selection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/chapters/lecture-xi-of-selection)

Cited for his attack on metaphysical poets, representing the 18th century's exclusionary literary taste.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/characters/johnson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/on_the_art_of_reading_se/characters