“Samuel Johnson, a man whose talents, acquirements, and virtues, were so extraordinary, that the more his character is considered, the more he will be regarded by the present age, and by posterity, with admiration and reverence.”
(James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, 1791)

Welcome to the Samuel Johnson Tercentenary web site. This site contains information about the celebrations to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Samuel Johnson, which falls on 18 September 2009.

Johnson usually regarded anniversaries as occasions for repentance and pious resolution. On his 72nd birthday, however, he decided that “some little festivity was not improper” and “had a Dinner”.

Our own festivities will be rather more extensive. They will commence with a modern-day Johnson, Garrick and their horse walking from Lichfield to London. Other clubbable, world-wide events will include conferences, exhibitions, tours, lectures and a banquet.

Please check this website or join the mailing list for updates on plans to commemorate the 300th birthday of the greatest English man of letters.