This document provides an overview of 18th century English literature, focusing on major authors and works from the period known as the Age of Samuel Johnson. It discusses Johnson's influential contributions as a poet, essayist, and lexicographer. It also summarizes the works and significance of three major Irish authors from the period: Oliver Goldsmith, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and Laurence Sterne. Additionally, it examines the rise of sentimentalism in 18th century poetry and prose fiction.