Immerse yourself in the wit, wisdom, and thunderous opinions of Dr. Samuel Johnson, the man who defined the English language. This elegant edition, edited by the renowned scholar R. W. Chapman, distills James Boswell’s massive, definitive biography into its most essential and sparkling moments. From Johnson’s legendary late-night debates in London coffee houses to his profound reflections on human nature, these selections capture the essence of the 18th century’s greatest conversationalist. Published by the Clarendon Press, this volume is a testament to the enduring legacy of the "Great Lexicographer" and the art of biography itself.
R.W. Chapman wasn't just an editor; he was essentially the "godfather" of Jane Austen and Samuel Johnson scholarship in the early 20th century. He was the one who set the gold standard for how these classic texts should be edited and presented. Having his name on the cover adds a layer of "academic pedigree" to the book.
Oxford University Press / The Clarendon Press, 1927 reprint of 1919 edition
The blue green cloth with the intricate, repeating "blind-stamped" or printed border is a classic Oxford Clarendon Press design used heavily in the 1920s and 1930s.
Hardback with blue green boards, 176 pages
Condition: Fair: scuffing, foxing and other age related marks to cover - stains including what seems to be a tea cup mark on the back. Inside has some inscriptions on first pages. Still a strong copy.
