'The Lives of the Poets' is one of the greatest works of English criticism, but also one of the most diverting. This volume makes available Samuel Johnson's most substantial Lives in unabridged form. Texts are drawn from Roger Lonsdale's authoritative complete edition, and introduced by John Mullan.

Lives of the English Poets: Prior, Congreve, Blackmore, Pope, has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.