Samuel Johnson’s Lives of the Poets was originally published as a collection of prefaces and critical essays to the works of various English poets. The correct title of this collection is:
2. Prefaces, Biographical and Critical, to the Works of English Poets.
Here's a breakdown of why this is the correct answer:
Original Context: Samuel Johnson’s work was initially published as a series of prefaces that were part of a collection of editions of English poets. These prefaces were not standalone essays but introductions to specific editions of the poets' works.
Title Significance: The title “Prefaces, Biographical and Critical, to the Works of English Poets” accurately reflects the nature of the work. It was composed of biographical and critical essays that served as prefaces to the works of the poets he discussed.
Other Options:
1. Lives of English Poets: Critical and Biographical Essays: This option is incorrect because it doesn’t mention the prefaces, which were a crucial part of the original publication.
3. Notes, Biographical and Critical, on the Works of English Poets: This is incorrect as well because the term "notes" is not accurate for Johnson’s comprehensive essays and prefaces.
4. Lives of English Poets: Biographical and Critical Notes: This option is misleading since it suggests a focus on “notes” rather than prefaces.
Johnson’s work combined biographical sketches and critical essays, but it is the inclusion of "prefaces" in option 2 that correctly identifies the nature and format of his collection.
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