Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1752) was an English author of poetry, biographies, magazine articles, and a dictionary. The son of a bookseller, Samuel enjoyed reading as a child and determined early to become a writer—almost starving in the process. A big, sloppy man who lacked social graces (it is thought he suffered from Tourette syndrome), Samuel established himself in the literary world through pure talent and determination. A kindhearted man who was generous to the poor, he was widely respected as a writer and critic during his lifetime and his reputation has endured.