Anniversaries view William Shakespeare's anniversary
A region of great minds that shaped the World. Find out more.
Meet the Lunartiks view the Lunartiks video
The Lunartiks, as they became known, were a society formed by talented individuals from the West Midlands that are today regarded as some of the world's most inspiring and innovative men.
Watch how they shaped the World we live in.
Events view the Lunartiks video
Join in the celebrations by visiting special events and exhibitions throughout 2009.
Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson - Distinguished man of letters
Quoted almost as often as Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson was born three hundred years ago this year, in Lichfield, in the Heart of England.
Although he wrote many essays, poems, and a novel, he is best known for his Dictionary. Strangely, what has also helped to make him famous is a book he didn't write: The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell.
It's Boswell's biography which has made sure so many of Johnson's memorable quotes are remembered:
- The only car ever to appear in a Harrods' shop window
- The only car to start a lap behind the rest at Brooklands - to give
- the others a chance
- The world's longest production run of the same model - the Morgan 4/4
Johnson's Dictionary, which took him nine years to research and write, was considered the leading English dictionary for 150 years after it was published in 1755.
Johnson died in 1784 and Boswells Life was published in 1791. Johnson's birthplace, in Lichfield's Market Square, is now a museum.
Join in the Celebrations
Throughout 2009 there are great events for you to visit. Check out our Event Diary for something inspired to do this year.
