The Life of Samuel Johnson

Explore the life of one of England's greatest literary figures in this abridged edition of James Boswell's celebrated biography, complete with stunning printed page edges.

Described by some as the world's greatest biography in the English language, James Boswell's 1791 Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. was based on the original, 18-volume publication of his journals that recounted his meetings with Johnson over many years.

In this abridged edition, Professor Charles Grosvenor Osgood has omitted extraneous comments and period-bound legal commentary. This edition retains those passages that show the true, somewhat larger-than-life, character of Dr Johnson, his love of society and enquiring mind, and, in so doing, reveals the fascinating environment of 18th-century England - and particularly London - in which Johnson lived.

A masterpiece of biography, abridged with care, this edition offers the most engaging route into Boswell's unforgettable account of Samuel Johnson and his age.