London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)
3/9/20261 hr 6 min
Who was Samuel Johnson, the dominant literary celebrity of 18th century London and the man who wrote the Dictionary? Why did his friendship with James Boswell, a sex and celebrity obsessed, but very talented writer, flourish? And, how does this titanic friendship open a window onto Georgian Britain; from slavery to the politics of the day?
Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss one of history’s greatest Englishmen, Samuel Johnson, and his infamous friendship with the man who immortalised him forever, in an age that changed Britain’s politics forever…
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First 90 secondsJames Boswell· Soundbite0:11
I drank tea at Davis' in Russell Street, and about seven came in the great Mr. Samuel Johnson, whom I have so long wished to see. Mr. Davis introduced me to him. As I knew his mortal antipathy of the Scotch, I cried to Davis, "Don't tell where I come from!" "However," he said, "from Scotland." "Mr. Johnson," said I, "indeed, I come from Scotland, but I cannot help it." "Sir," replied he, "that I find is what a very great many of your countrymen cannot help." Mr. Johnson is a man of a most dreadful appearance. He's a very big man, is troubled with sore eyes, the palsy, and the king's evil. He's very slovenly in his dress and speaks with a most uncouth voice. Yet his great knowledge and strength of expression command vast respect, and they render him very excellent company. He has great humor, and he's a worthy man. But his dogmatical roughness of manners is disagreeable.
Tom Holland· Host1:19
This episode is brought to you by Claude by Anthropic. Now history lives in the contradictions.
Dominic Sandbrook· Host1:28
Yeah. I've always been fascinated by