The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750): Poetry Guide and Free Edition
The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750): author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750) is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Johnson, Samuel (1709–1784).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750) by Samuel Johnson" is a collection of moral essays and poetry written in the 18th century, specifically during the early to mid-1700s, which is marked by the Enlightenment's intellectual vigor. The primary focus of the book is the nature of human desires and the inevitable disappointments that accompany them, exploring profound philosophical themes of ambition, fate, and morality, while also offering insights into social conduct and the human condition. In "The Vanity of Human Wishes," Johnson creatively adapts Juvenal's Tenth Satire to reflect on the futility of human aspirations, highlighting how desires often lead to suffering and regret. The poem features a series of vivid portraits, including historical figures like Cardinal Wolsey and Charles XII of Sweden, showcasing their rises and falls fueled by ambition and desire. The accompanying "Rambler" papers present Johnson's reflections on various aspects of life, such as the quest for happiness and the importance of virtue, frequently emphasizing the need for self-awareness and moral integrity. Together, these works encapsulate Johnson’s belief that true contentment arises not from external achievements but from an inner state of virtue and resignation to fate.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two Rambler papers (1750)
- Author credits: Johnson, Samuel (1709–1784)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Essays
- Poetry
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Classics of Literature
- Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
- Category: History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)
- Category: Poetry
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Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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