In 1762, twenty-two-year-old James Boswell left Edinburgh for London. This portion of his personal journal documents the nine months that followed. Filled with detail, description, and zest for life, Boswell's London Journal provides a frank and accurate picture of both the young man and London in the early 1760s. While many of Boswell's journals have been published, this one gained popularity for its racier entries as well as its descriptions of Boswell's first encounter with Samuel Johnson, who would later be the subject of his most famous written work, the biography The Life of Samuel Johnson. This audiobook contains a wonderful reading by the talented Sir Anthony Quale.
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"James Boswell was an observant and interesting man who wanted to write about Samuel Johnson but also revealed a great deal about himself. Great read for lovers of history and literature."
— Karen (5 out of 5 stars)
“Boswell was the most charming companion in the world, and London becomes his dining room and his playground, his club and his confessional. No celebrant of the London world can ignore his book.”
— Peter Ackroyd, author of London: The Biography" I read this because it has descriptions of the 10th and 11th Earls of Eglinton (cousins to my husbands family). That was really the only reason, but I do remember being fascinated by Boswell himself and his ability to record the time in which he lived. "
— Carol, 12/23/2013" I truly believe the term "brownnoser" has never been more adequate a descriptor than when it is applied to James Boswell. I will collect my favorite quotes and add them here shortly. "
— Debs, 12/5/2013" I found it terribly interesting and illuminating. "
— Barbara, 10/17/2013" I have tried to read this book more than once, but Boswell--when he is his normal, unguarded self--comes across as the most excruciating little narcissistic prick you've ever come across between the pages of a journal. "
— Avis, 1/23/2013" Lots of salubrious details in this little volume (a bestseller upon its release, believe it or not), but I found it pretty dull going on the whole. If you are in love with the hypocritical, theatrical, megalomaniacal, shameless sponge who wrote it, you'll probably like it. "
— Will, 6/17/2012" Much like Samuel Pepys's diary, this is a great window into Boswell's era. Of course, some of what he records in his journal is simply mundane detail, but you'll be amazed by the number of times he gets the clap from prostitutes. "
— Jack, 3/30/2011" i learned: syphilis sucks & so do loose women "
— Sarah, 3/15/2011" People really did speak to each other in a silly manner. Go Britain! "
— David, 4/9/2010" An intimate look into the day-to-day life of an 18th Century gentleman. A surprisingly fast, enjoyable and captivating read. "
— Fedor, 3/24/2010" I read this because it has descriptions of the 10th and 11th Earls of Eglinton (cousins to my husbands family). That was really the only reason, but I do remember being fascinated by Boswell himself and his ability to record the time in which he lived. "
— Carol, 10/9/2009" Lots of salubrious details in this little volume (a bestseller upon its release, believe it or not), but I found it pretty dull going on the whole. If you are in love with the hypocritical, theatrical, megalomaniacal, shameless sponge who wrote it, you'll probably like it. "
— Will, 6/18/2009James Boswell (1740–1795), Scottish man of letters, was born in Edinburgh and studied civil law at Glasgow, but his true ambition was literary fame and the company of great men. In spring 1760 he ran away to London, where he first met Samuel Johnson. He eventually met Voltaire, Rousseau, and Paoli, the hero of Corsica, whom he Boswellized in Account of Corsica, which was an immediate success. In 1773 he was elected to Johnson’s famous literary club. After Johnson’s death and the publication of The Journal of the Tour of the Hebrides, another great success, he began his acknowledged masterpiece, The Life of Samuel Johnson.