View enlarged image

Description

Christopher Hibbert draws on every known contemporary source to provide a minutely detailed look of the fascinating writer Samuel Johnson. Using facts and anecdotes, Hibbert delivers intimate glimpses into Johnson's time as a schoolboy, his eccentricities as an undergraduate at Oxford, his struggle as a poor writer in London, and his slow rise to the legendary figure with a court of admirers and a steady stream of visitors. Hibbert combines personal stories with an examination Johnson's writing, offering a compelling and readable account.

Reviews

'Skillful and beautifully written' - The Washington Post 'Persuasive and lively!A highly entertaining portrait' - Sunday Telegraph 'An excellent and original study' - Sunday Times

Contents

Preface to the Pimlico Edition List of Illustrations Author's Note PART I: 1709-1755 The Bookseller's Son Grub Street 'Poor Dear Tetty' 'The Giant in his Den' PART II: 1756-1764 'A New Wife' Tea Cups and Dinner Plates A Young Man from Edinburgh The Turk's Head Oracle PART III: 1765-1775 New Friends and Old Rambles Streatham Park Scotland Wales and France PART IV: 1776-1784 'Whole Nests of People in his House' Mr Wilkes and Mr Edwards 'Formidable and Dangerous Distempers' The Race with Death Notes Bibliography Index

Additional Information

• Illustrations: Illustrations