Samuel Johnson did not produce any singular great works of criticism but had a significant influence on English criticism through several works including papers in The Rambler, remarks on poetry in Rasselas, and a preface to Shakespeare's plays. Johnson believed that literature is shaped by the era and environment of its author, and that for a work to be excellent it must conform to nature and reason while also pleasing many readers for a long time through its imitation of truth and life.

6. To Be Continued