The Life of Samuel Johnson LL. D.: A Biography of Dr. Samuel Johnson

Published in 1791, James Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson is widely considered the greatest biography in the English language. Boswell, a Scottish lawyer and diarist, spent years shadowing the renowned lexicographer and critic Samuel Johnson, meticulously recording his conversations, mannerisms, and intellectual temperament. The work emerged from a deep, unconventional friendship and established a new standard for biographical writing by prioritizing candid, intimate detail over dry hagiography.

The design of the modern edition represented by this ISBN focuses on providing a durable, accessible reader’s copy of Boswell’s expansive original text. By distilling the massive scope of the 18th-century manuscript into a manageable format, these editions aim to preserve the lively, idiosyncratic portrait of Johnson for contemporary scholars and students. While the original first edition remains a cornerstone of rare book collecting, this version serves the primary purpose of maintaining the vitality of Boswell’s prose for a new generation of readers.