The Vanity of Human Wishes Resources

Here's a neat little intro to Johnson's poem, from the University of Virginia.

This is a nice summary of Johnson's "The Vanity of Human Wishes," with lots of thought-provoking questions mixed in there.

Dig this translation of the Latin poem—Juvenal's "Tenth Satire"—that inspired "The Vanity of Human Wishes."

Learn more about Samuel Johnson's making of the English Dictionary.

Here's a clip from the hilarious British comedy show "Black Adder." It features the character of Samuel Johnson visiting Prince George at his palace. Funniness ensues.

Hear Johnson's poem read in a fancy British accent.

Johnson's short poem (written to the young and wealthy aristocrat John Lade) is read here by John Richetti.

Check out the writer, looking serious. Or maybe he just has a headache.

This is cool: a few lines written in Johnson's hand from the manuscript of "The Vanity of Human Wishes." That's some handwriting he's got there.

Here's a Boston Globe article on Johnson's relationship to America.

Does "The Vanity of Human Wishes" support or negate the view that Johnson was a capitalist? The author of this Wall Street Journal article thinks that Johnson was one, anyway.

Here's an 1876 edition of Johnson's poem, with notes by E.J. Payne.

Okay, so it's not the best title, but this is a thorough biography of the ups and downs of Johnson's busy life.

Blast to the past with this 1957 TV episode about Samuel Johnson.

Dr. Samuel Johnson makes an appearance in this famous British comedy. Check out some of Johnson's lines in the IMDB link.

This BBC documentary is about Johnson's making of the English Dictionary.