The Life of Samuel Johnson

In 1763, Scottish lawyer Boswell (1740-1795) met Johnson and began a literary relationship that would become famous. In addition to the copious notes which he took of his conversations with Johnson, Boswell also kept journals which provide additional insight into Johnson’s life. Through this writing, he honed his talent for “imaginative verbal reconstruction” (Encyclopedia Britannica), portraying real people with characteristic speech habits and gestures.

After Johnson died in 1784, Boswell published Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides, recounting his travels in Scotland with Johnson. This served as preparation for Life of Johnson, which appeared in two volumes in 1791. Although the book met with instant acclaim, some critics cast aspersions on Boswell’s character, claiming that he was self-serving or violated the confidence of his subjects. One downside to Boswell’s talent as a biographer is that people around him increasingly avoided his company out of fear that he would record their meetings. Boswell Grew increasingly unhappy, and he died at the age of 55 due to poor health caused by venereal disease and heavy drinking.

Somewhat ironically, Boswell and Johnson’s reputations are almost exclusively tied to each other. Johnson’s writings are no longer as widely read today as they were in the 18th century, while Boswell’s fame rests almost entirely on his relationship with Johnson.