By James Boswell
The Life of Samuel Johnson speaks to the impact of living life-on-life, of a younger man wisely seeking the friendship, wisdom, and insight of one older; and the growth that occurs when one’s curiosity is high, mouth is shut, and ears are open.
The book is not the vaulted highlights of one desiring to showcase his company among the great, though Boswell spent time in “rare air,” but a younger man captured by the brilliance of one older and giving due respect, usually forthright and a at times obsequious.
Johnson as seen by his contemporaries:
Goldsmith (author of The Vicar of Wakefield): “[Johnson] has nothing of the bear but his skin.” (Vol 1:405). Johnson was a genius, yet at times, a little gruff in the way he treated others.”
