Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson By: Hester Lynch Piozzi (1741-1821)
In “Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson,” Hester Lynch Piozzi offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life and mind of one of history's greatest literary figures. From the very first page, Piozzi's prose exudes a genuine warmth and admiration for Samuel Johnson, creating a compelling narrative that showcases his brilliant mind, idiosyncrasies, and extraordinary contributions to literature. What distinguishes Piozzi's account is its unparalleled authenticity. As a close friend and confidante of Johnson, she possesses inside knowledge that eludes many biographers. Her anecdotes are peppered with personal interactions, conversations, and shared moments, which paint a vivid picture of Johnson's character and beliefs. Piozzi's ability to capture Johnson's distinctive voice and sharp wit adds a layer of depth to her storytelling, making it feel as if readers are sitting beside these two literary giants, engrossed in their lively discussions. Furthermore, Piozzi's portrayal of Johnson is refreshingly honest and multifaceted. While she certainly admires his intellectual prowess, she does not shy away from exploring his flaws and eccentricities. Through her anecdotes, we come to understand the complexity of Johnson's personality, his struggles with depression, and his idiosyncratic rituals. Piozzi presents a nuanced portrait of a man whose brilliance often clashed with his own inner turmoil, leaving readers with a profound understanding of Johnson's humanity. Piozzi's writing style is elegant and evocative, showcasing her own literary skills. Her prose flows effortlessly, creating a sense of intimacy that draws readers deeper into the narrative. She skillfully weaves in historical context, anecdotes from Johnson's circle of friends, and literary analysis, ensuring that her account resonates with readers intrigued by both the man and his work. Her attention to detail and meticulous research is evident throughout, adding credibility to her descriptions and further engaging the reader. If there is one minor critique, it is that Piozzi's personal admiration for Johnson occasionally veers into hagiography. While understandable given her close relationship with him, this propensity can be seen as a slight bias that may overshadow other perspectives on Johnson's life. However, Piozzi's warmth and devotion also contribute to the book's captivating charm, as it is undeniably shaped by her personal connection to the great writer. Overall, “Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson” by Hester Lynch Piozzi is a delightful and insightful read for any lover of literature. Piozzi's unique perspective, beautiful prose, and genuine affection for Johnson make this book a must-read for those seeking a more intimate understanding of one of history's most influential figures. First Page: JOHNSON, LL.D. This eText was transcribed from the 1901 Cassell and Company edition by Les Bowler. Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. DURING THE LAST TWENTY YEARS OF HIS LIFE . BY Hesther Lynch Piozzi. CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED LONDON , PARIS , NEW YORK & MELBOURNE 1901 INTRODUCTION Mrs. Piozzi, by her second marriage, was by her first marriage the Mrs. Thrale in whose house at Streatham Doctor Johnson was, after the year of his first introduction, 1765, in days of infirmity, an honoured and a cherished friend. The year of the beginning of the friendship was the year in which Johnson, fifty six years old, obtained his degree of LL.D. from Dublin, and though he never called himself Doctor was thenceforth called Doctor by all his friends. Before her marriage Mrs. Piozzi had been Miss Hesther Lynch Salusbury, a young lady of a good Welsh family. She was born in the year 1740, and she lived until the year 1821. She celebrated her eightieth birthday on the 27th of January, 1820, by a concert, ball, and supper to six or seven hundred people, and led off the dancing at the ball with an adopted son for partner. When Johnson was first introduced to her, as Mrs. Thrale, she was a lively, plump little lady, twenty five years old, short of stature, broad of build, with an animated face, touched, according to the fashion of life in her early years, with rouge, which she continued to use when she found that it had spoilt her complexion... Continue reading book >>

Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson By: Hester Lynch Piozzi (1741-1821)

In “Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson,” Hester Lynch Piozzi offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life and mind of one of history's greatest literary figures. From the very first page, Piozzi's prose exudes a genuine warmth and admiration for Samuel Johnson, creating a compelling narrative that showcases his brilliant mind, idiosyncrasies, and extraordinary contributions to literature.

What distinguishes Piozzi's account is its unparalleled authenticity. As a close friend and confidante of Johnson, she possesses inside knowledge that eludes many biographers. Her anecdotes are peppered with personal interactions, conversations, and shared moments, which paint a vivid picture of Johnson's character and beliefs. Piozzi's ability to capture Johnson's distinctive voice and sharp wit adds a layer of depth to her storytelling, making it feel as if readers are sitting beside these two literary giants, engrossed in their lively discussions.

Furthermore, Piozzi's portrayal of Johnson is refreshingly honest and multifaceted. While she certainly admires his intellectual prowess, she does not shy away from exploring his flaws and eccentricities. Through her anecdotes, we come to understand the complexity of Johnson's personality, his struggles with depression, and his idiosyncratic rituals. Piozzi presents a nuanced portrait of a man whose brilliance often clashed with his own inner turmoil, leaving readers with a profound understanding of Johnson's humanity.

Piozzi's writing style is elegant and evocative, showcasing her own literary skills. Her prose flows effortlessly, creating a sense of intimacy that draws readers deeper into the narrative. She skillfully weaves in historical context, anecdotes from Johnson's circle of friends, and literary analysis, ensuring that her account resonates with readers intrigued by both the man and his work. Her attention to detail and meticulous research is evident throughout, adding credibility to her descriptions and further engaging the reader.

If there is one minor critique, it is that Piozzi's personal admiration for Johnson occasionally veers into hagiography. While understandable given her close relationship with him, this propensity can be seen as a slight bias that may overshadow other perspectives on Johnson's life. However, Piozzi's warmth and devotion also contribute to the book's captivating charm, as it is undeniably shaped by her personal connection to the great writer.

Overall, “Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson” by Hester Lynch Piozzi is a delightful and insightful read for any lover of literature. Piozzi's unique perspective, beautiful prose, and genuine affection for Johnson make this book a must-read for those seeking a more intimate understanding of one of history's most influential figures.

First Page:

JOHNSON, LL.D.

This eText was transcribed from the 1901 Cassell and Company edition by Les Bowler.

Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. DURING THE LAST TWENTY YEARS OF HIS LIFE . BY Hesther Lynch Piozzi.

CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED LONDON , PARIS , NEW YORK & MELBOURNE 1901

INTRODUCTION

Mrs. Piozzi, by her second marriage, was by her first marriage the Mrs. Thrale in whose house at Streatham Doctor Johnson was, after the year of his first introduction, 1765, in days of infirmity, an honoured and a cherished friend. The year of the beginning of the friendship was the year in which Johnson, fifty six years old, obtained his degree of LL.D. from Dublin, and though he never called himself Doctor was thenceforth called Doctor by all his friends.

Before her marriage Mrs. Piozzi had been Miss Hesther Lynch Salusbury, a young lady of a good Welsh family. She was born in the year 1740, and she lived until the year 1821. She celebrated her eightieth birthday on the 27th of January, 1820, by a concert, ball, and supper to six or seven hundred people, and led off the dancing at the ball with an adopted son for partner. When Johnson was first introduced to her, as Mrs. Thrale, she was a lively, plump little lady, twenty five years old, short of stature, broad of build, with an animated face, touched, according to the fashion of life in her early years, with rouge, which she continued to use when she found that it had spoilt her complexion... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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Wikipedia – Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson

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