The Life of Samuel Johnson

By: James Boswell

Narrated by: David Timson

Charming, vibrant, witty and edifying, The Life of Samuel Johnson is a work of great obsession and boundless reverence. The literary critic Samuel Johnson was 54 when he first encountered Boswell; the friendship that developed spawned one of the greatest biographies in the history of world literature.

The book is full of humorous anecdote and rich characterization, and paints a vivid picture of 18th-century London, peopled by prominent personalities of the time such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Wilkes, Oliver Goldsmith and David Garrick, while also giving a compelling insight into Johnson's complex humanity - his depression, fear of death, intellectual brilliance and rough humor.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2017 Naxos AudioBooks

Stunningly thorough

I've never before felt like I knew the subject of a book personally. Boswell makes you feel as if you actually knew Johnson, and the reader makes both Johnson and Boswell come to life.

There's one part that I was particularly impressed with: Boswell quotes Hawkins quoting Johnson, after Boswell expresses doubts about the authenticity of the quote. The reader read the quote in Johnson's "voice", but subtly added the accent from the Hawkins "voice" to it. I was impressed that that much attention was paid to details.

Excellent

The reader does a superb job of bringing to life the various characters in this lengthy book. Boswell's writing is clear and lively, and gives to each reader who has patience to get through his long work a sense of near acquaintance with this exceptional man. I enjoyed the brief glimpses of other contemporaries like Hannah More and John Wesley, and historic events like the Revolutionary War, all viewed from, as it were, ground level. The inclusion of his letters is a valuable addition, especially as a picture of friendship before the technological age.

Brilliant

Highly recommended. It’s the kind of book (or audiobook) that can be read and reread.

Unique

You see the subject for who he really was rather than for where he went and what he did.

For the serious fan only, maybe?

Way too long for anyone other than the most serious student of his life and or times, I think. Well-performed, interesting subject matter usually. I think redundant and over-kill. That's the fault of Boswell's man-crush. lol.