Google celebrates British lexicographer Samuel Johnson's 308th birthday with a doodle

NEW DELHI: Google today come up with a doodle marking 308th birth anniversary of British lexicographer Samuel Johnson, acknowledged for his lasting contribution to the English literature.

Called Dr Johnson, he was a poet, moralist, literary critic, essayist, lexicographer, biographer and an editor as well.

After nine years of work, Dr Johnson published an English dictionary in 1755. The dictionary 'Johnson’s: A Dictionary of the English Language' remained one of the most popular until Oxford came up with its dictionary in 1928. The pages of the dictionary were nearly 18 inches tall and the book was 20 inches wide when opened. It contained 42,773 entries, against the total available 2,50,000 words at that time.

Dr Johnson also spent years creating a collection of the works of William Shakespeare.

"Johnson's dictionary was more than just a word list: his work provided a vast understanding of 18th century's language and culture. His lasting contributions guaranteed him a place in literary history," Google said.

He was born on September 18, 1709 and died on December 13, 1784.