James Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson is lauded for its meticulous detail and captivating prose, providing a vivid portrayal of Johnson's life and character. However, some find its length and Boswell’s intrusive presence distracting. Overall, it remains a seminal work in biographical literature, blending scholarship with literary flair.

A reader who enjoys The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell likely has a passion for literary history, biography, and 18th-century British literature. Similar to readers of David McCullough's John Adams, they appreciate detailed, character-driven narratives that offer deep insights into influential historical figures and their cultural contexts.

James Boswell's The Life of Samuel Johnson chronicles the life of Samuel Johnson, an English poet, essayist, and lexicographer known for his influential Dictionary of the English Language. The biography details Johnson's early life, education, literary achievements, and friendships, focusing on his intellectual relationship with Boswell. The work is a rich narrative blend of anecdotes, letters, and dialogues. The biography includes references to mental illness and physical disabilities.

Informative / Contemplative / Nostalgic / Emotional / Humorous

- The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell is considered one of the greatest biographies in English literature, praised for its detailed portrayal and intimate insight into the life of the famed writer, Samuel Johnson.
- James Boswell's friendship with Samuel Johnson began in 1763, and the biography is the result of countless conversations, gatherings, and travels they shared, which Boswell meticulously documented over the years.
- Boswell's innovative use of comprehensive conversations and personal anecdotes set a new standard for biography writing, establishing a narrative style that continues to influence biographical works today.

**James Boswell**  
A Scottish lawyer and writer who becomes a close friend of Samuel Johnson, known for documenting their conversations and later writing a celebrated biography of Johnson.

**Samuel Johnson**  
An English poet, critic, and lexicographer, famous for his Dictionary of the English Language, whose life and work are extensively chronicled by Boswell.

**David Garrick**  
An influential English actor and theater manager, and a close friend of Johnson, known for his role in promoting Shakespeare in 18th-century theater.

**Elizabeth “Tetty” Johnson**  
Samuel Johnson's wife, notable for her acceptance of Johnson’s quirks and their loving marriage, despite the unusual age difference between them.

**Francis Barber**  
Johnson’s long-time servant and assistant, who was born enslaved in Jamaica and freed in England, played a significant role in Johnson's household and later life.

**George III**  
The King of Great Britain whose reign intersected with Johnson's life, notable for granting Johnson a pension which stirred controversy.

**Hester Thrale**  
A close friend and patron of Samuel Johnson, who documented their friendship and played an integral role in Johnson’s personal and intellectual life.

James Boswell

Adult

Biography

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The Life of Samuel Johnson Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Life of Samuel Johnson Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introductory Remarks

The Life of Samuel Johnson Introductory Remarks Summary & Analysis

Birth-Age 16

The Life of Samuel Johnson Birth-Age 16 Summary & Analysis

Ages 16-22

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 16-22 Summary & Analysis

Ages 22-26

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Ages 26-30

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Ages 30-37

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 30-37 Summary & Analysis

Ages 38-41

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 38-41 Summary & Analysis

Ages 41-43

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 41-43 Summary & Analysis

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The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 43-46 Summary & Analysis

Ages 46-49

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 46-49 Summary & Analysis

Ages 49-50

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 49-50 Summary & Analysis

Ages 50-54

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 50-54 Summary & Analysis

Age 54

The Life of Samuel Johnson Age 54 Summary & Analysis

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The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 54-57 Summary & Analysis

Ages 57-60

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 57-60 Summary & Analysis

Ages 60-63

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 60-63 Summary & Analysis

Ages 63-66

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 63-66 Summary & Analysis

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The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 66-67 Summary & Analysis

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The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 67-68 Summary & Analysis

Age 68

The Life of Samuel Johnson Age 68 Summary & Analysis

Ages 68-69

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 68-69 Summary & Analysis

Age 69

The Life of Samuel Johnson Age 69 Summary & Analysis

Ages 69-71

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 69-71 Summary & Analysis

Ages 71-72

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 71-72 Summary & Analysis

Ages 72-75

The Life of Samuel Johnson Ages 72-75 Summary & Analysis

Age 75

The Life of Samuel Johnson Age 75 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Life of Samuel Johnson Key Figures

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Themes

The Life of Samuel Johnson Themes

Index of Terms

The Life of Samuel Johnson Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Life of Samuel Johnson Essay Topics

The Life of Samuel Johnson

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