The Leviathan of Literature
Preserved but no longer current.
Dr. Johnson (1709-84). Levitation is a term applied to the phenomenon of heavy bodies rising and floating in the air. It is frequently mentioned in the Hindu scriptures and other writings, and it is a not- uncommon attribute of Catholic saints.
Era: ca. 1898 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Reproduced from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898 edition, public domain; archive.org, retrieved 2026-07-31; OCR text, minor errors possible). Reflects the scholarship and attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “The Leviathan of Literature” mean?
Dr. Johnson (1709-84). Levitation is a term applied to the phenomenon of heavy bodies rising and floating in the air. It is frequently mentioned in the Hindu scriptures and other writings, and it is a not- uncommon attribute of Catholic saints.
Is “The Leviathan of Literature” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.