W.Jackson Bate '39, Lowell Professor of the Humanities, yesterday received a 1978 National Book Award for his biography "Samuel Johnson."

Calling the award "a great honor," Bate said yesterday, "I've won other awards before, but never this one."

Each year the Association of American Publishers selects winners in seven categories. Bate received the award, which carries a $1000 stipend, for biography and autobiography.

Bate, who teaches the popular English 140b, "The Age of Johnson," won the National Book Crities Circle Award earlier this year for the same biography, published last fall.

"We in the English Department are all very proud. It was a good and well -justified selection." Daniel Aaron. Thomas Professor of English and American Literature, said yesterday.

Harry Levin '33, Babbitt Professor of Comparative Literature, added "I don't think it could be better deserved-- Professor Bate has a remarkable power of empathy which makes him a first-rate biographer."

Bate accepted the award yesterday at ceremonies held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.