Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was an English author, poet, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. He is often referred to as Dr. Johnson after receiving an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin and later from Oxford University. He is perhaps best known for his dictionary, "A Dictionary of the English Language" (1755), which was one of the earliest and most influential dictionaries in the history of the English language. Johnson's contributions to English literature extend beyond his dictionary. He was a prolific writer and a central figure of the English literary scene in the eighteenth century. His works include essays, poetry, sermons, and biographies. One of his most notable works is "The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" (1779–81), a series of biographical sketches that are valued for their depth of analysis and vivid characterizations. An epitome of the Enlightenment thinker, Samuel Johnson was also well known for his wit and his conversation. His thoughts and aphorisms have been collected in books such as "Johnson's Dictionary" and "Boswell's Life of Johnson," the latter being a biography of Johnson by his friend James Boswell. These works provide a detailed account of his life and his views on a wide range of subjects, making him one of the most quoted English writers.