A Life of Johnson

By: James Boswell

Narrated by: Billy Hartman

Length: 2 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

Boswell's biography of his friend and hero Samuel Johnson is an acknowledged classic, full of humorous anecdote and rich characterization. Johnson's complex humanity (his depression, fear of death, intellectual brilliance and rough humor) is set within a vivid picture of 18th century London peopled by personalities of the time such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Wilkes, Oliver Goldsmith, and David Garrick.

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©1994 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1994 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Familiar Aphorisms

Doubtless through my own carelessness, I did not know this was an abridged version. However, the content was adequate. The strong accents of the narrator made understanding difficult sometimes, but also enlivened the account of this brilliant but difficult man.

Boswell and Johnson incarnate!

The only criticism of this version is that it is abridged. Hartman (a Scot) is massively convincing as both Boswell and Johnson - if ever I get enough money I will sponsor him to do the full version! You will grow to love Johnson as Boswell did and want to read his essays and criticism - if not his drama. Naxos - get him back - I know several other who will be buyers...

Fascinating life, sensitively written

A wonderful reading by Billy Hartman. A beautiful accent modulated to perfection to capture the nuances of this extraordinary and often irascible man’s life.