The Life of Johnson

(James Boswell)

Incomparable biography (or stalker’s notes) of the great Tory grump Dr Samuel Johnson, packed with wit and wisdom.

My favourite vignette: Johnson speaks of one of Boswell’s Scottish acquaintances who affects a savage, Rousseau-like disdain for civilised order: “if he does really think that there is no distinction between virtue and vice, why, Sir, when he leaves our houses let us count our spoons.”

'A defect in his nervous system...'

‘A defect in his nervous system…’ (Painting of the Good Doctor by Reynolds)

 

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