650. London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)
The episode explores the remarkable life of Samuel Johnson, the dominant literary figure of 18th century London, focusing on his journey from poverty-stricken beginnings to celebrity status. It establishes the context for his famous meeting with James Boswell in 1763, which would lead to one of the greatest biographies in English literature.
Summary
This episode introduces Samuel Johnson, who by 1763 had become the preeminent literary celebrity of Georgian London, known as 'the great cham' - an oriental despot of literature. The hosts describe his famous first meeting with young James Boswell at Thomas Davis's bookshop, where Boswell nervously revealed his Scottish origins despite Johnson's known antipathy toward the Scots. Johnson's early life was marked by severe disadvantages: his father was a failed bookseller in Lichfield, and Johnson suffered terrible health problems from infancy after contracting scrofula from a tubercular wet nurse, leaving him nearly blind in one eye. Despite his physical ailments and family's poverty, Johnson showed extraordinary intellectual brilliance from childhood, mastering Latin and Greek and displaying an phenomenal memory. His Oxford education was cut short after one year due to lack of funds, plunging him into deep depression. At age 25, he married Elizabeth Porter ('Tetty'), a 45-year-old widow whose money and love helped rescue him from despair. After a failed attempt at running a school (where David Garrick was one of only three pupils), Johnson moved to London with Garrick in the late 1730s. In London, he worked as a hack writer for The Gentleman's Magazine, pioneering parliamentary reporting by essentially fabricating speeches that captured the essence of debates he rarely attended. His breakthrough came with his comprehensive English Dictionary, completed in nine years with six assistants (five of whom were Scottish, belying his supposed Scotophobia). The dictionary's publication established his celebrity status, leading to his famous snub of his former patron Lord Chesterfield. Johnson's political views were Tory, supporting hierarchy and traditional institutions while championing the poor and vulnerable against what he saw as Whig commercial exploitation. His deep sympathy for the underdog extended to slaves, Native Americans, and London's destitute, with whom he shared his meager earnings. After Tetty's death in 1752, Johnson became increasingly dependent on social circles to combat his depression, setting the stage for his transformative friendship with Boswell.
About this episode
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… Advertise with us: [email protected] _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Key Insights
- Samuel Johnson overcame extraordinary physical and financial disadvantages to become the dominant literary figure of 18th century London, earning the nickname 'the great cham' - an oriental despot of literature
- Johnson's early health problems stemmed from a tubercular wet nurse who left him nearly blind in one eye and scarred by scrofula, for which he was unsuccessfully touched by Queen Anne
- Despite his intellectual brilliance at Oxford, Johnson was forced to leave after one year due to poverty, an experience that left him deeply depressed and contemplating suicide
- Johnson's marriage to 45-year-old widow Elizabeth Porter ('Tetty') at age 25 rescued him from despair and provided both love and financial resources that enabled his move to London
- Johnson pioneered parliamentary reporting by essentially fabricating speeches that captured the essence of debates he rarely attended, creating transcripts so flattering that politicians never revealed their inaccuracy
- The compilation of Johnson's comprehensive English Dictionary took nine years with six assistants, compared to 20 years by an Italian academy and 55 years by a French academy, demonstrating English scholarly superiority
- Johnson's political Toryism represented rebellion against Whig dominance, viewing traditional institutions like the crown and church as essential protections for the poor against commercial exploitation
- Johnson's famous phrase 'no man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money' reflected his pragmatic approach to writing, though he simultaneously sought literary fame and respect
- Johnson's deep sympathy for society's underdogs included slaves, Native Americans, and London's destitute, consistently giving away his earnings to beggars despite his own poverty
- Johnson's famous snub of Lord Chesterfield, who tried to claim credit as patron after the dictionary's success, became one of the most celebrated letters in English literature
- After Tetty's death in 1752, Johnson's moral probity prevented him from seeking paid companionship, making him increasingly dependent on social circles to combat his depression
- Johnson's harsh criticism of the American Revolution as hypocritical was encapsulated in his question: 'how is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of Negroes?'
Topics
Transcript
I drank tea at Davis's 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. He's troubled with sore eyes, the palsy. And the king's evil. He's very slovenly in his dress and…
Full transcript available for MurmurCast members
Sign Up to AccessMore from The Rest Is History
665. Britain in the 70s: The Bailout from Hell (Part 4)
This episode examines the convergence of two pivotal moments in British history on December 1st, 1976: the climax of the IMF bailout crisis under Prime Minister Jim Callaghan, and the Sex Pistols' infamous Bill Grundy interview that launched punk into the national consciousness. Callaghan masterfully managed a deeply divided cabinet to accept painful spending cuts in exchange for a $4 billion IMF loan, while the economic backdrop of unemployment and national decline provided the fertile ground for punk rock to emerge.
664. Britain in the 70s: Scandal in Downing Street (Part 3)
This episode covers Britain's tumultuous mid-1970s, focusing on Harold Wilson's resignation as Prime Minister, the economic crisis under Chancellor Denis Healey, and the subsequent Labour leadership contest won by Jim Callaghan. The episode also explores the cultural backdrop of the era, including IRA bombings, the rise of punk, and the infamous 'lavender list' honours scandal.
663. Britain in the 70s: The Brexit That Never Was (Part 2)
This episode examines Britain in 1975, focusing on Harold Wilson's political struggles with a near-impossible economic crisis featuring 25% inflation, and the first British referendum on EEC membership. The hosts trace the history of Britain's ambivalent relationship with Europe, the campaigns for and against staying in, and the decisive 67% vote to remain.
662. Britain in the 70s: The Rise of Thatcher (Part 1)
Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook trace Margaret Thatcher's rise from her upbringing in Grantham to becoming the first female leader of the Conservative Party in February 1975. They contextualize her emergence against the backdrop of Britain's severe economic crisis, industrial unrest, and political turmoil of the early 1970s. The episode explores her character, class identity, Methodist values, and the unlikely campaign that defeated Ted Heath.
661. Dawn of the Samurai: The Shōgun Triumphant (Part 4)
This episode concludes the story of the Genpei War, covering the fall of Lord Kiso, the naval triumph of Yoshitsune at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, and the establishment of Yoritomo's shogunate in 1192. It also explores the legendary figures of Tomoe Gozen and Yoshitsune, examining how historical fact and myth-making intertwined to shape samurai culture.