Johnson, born in 1709, spent nine years working on A Dictionary of the English Language, which was published in 1755. It remained the definitive English dictionary until the Oxford English Dictionary was completed in 1928.

Despite his impact, fortune often eluded Johnson, and he struggled with women and alcohol. However, he is known as one of the world's greatest lexicographers, as well as the subject of the modern biography.

A Dictionary of the English Language

Johnson, who grew up in Staffordshire, did not create the first English dictionary, but those that preceded his were poor comparisons, often stiff and dry.

It took Johnson nine years to complete (he rarely got up before noon), although he had originally promised to complete it in three. Once finished it was as much of a work of art as one of reference, full of witty definitions. Here are some examples:

Dull: Not exhilaterating (sic); not delightful; as, to make dictionaries is dull work

Not exhilaterating (sic); not delightful; as, to make dictionaries is dull work Lexicographer: A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words

A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words Mouth-friend: Someone who pretends to be your friend

Someone who pretends to be your friend Oats: A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people

A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people Pension: An allowance made to any one without an equivalent. In England it is generally understood to mean pay given to a state hireling for treason to his country

An allowance made to any one without an equivalent. In England it is generally understood to mean pay given to a state hireling for treason to his country Stockjobber: a low wretch who gets money by buying and selling shares

It was hardly comprehensive: the first edition contained just 42,773 entries, compared to more than 250,000 words in the English language.