Author
James Boswell
1740-1795
James Boswell (1740-1795) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by James Boswell
Boswell's Life of Johnson Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood
"Boswell's Life of Johnson" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791 about English writer Samuel Johnson. Often called the greatest biography in English, this landmark work recreates Johnson's life through detailed conversations and scenes drawn from Boswell's extensive journals. Though the two men spent only about 250 days together over twenty-two years, Boswell crafted an enduring portrait that blends myth with complexity, capturing Johnson's moral wisdom, personal eccentricities, and struggle with despair in vivid detail.
Life of Johnson, Volume 4 1780-1784
"Life of Johnson, Volume 4" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the celebrated English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the biography recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and extensive conversations. Though Boswell spent only 250 days with Johnson, he crafted what became a universal critical success—hailed by many as the greatest biography written in English and among the finest nonfiction works ever created.
Boswelliana: The Commonplace Book of James Boswell, with a Memoir and Annotations
"Boswelliana: The Commonplace Book of James Boswell with a Memoir and Annotations" by Rev. Charles Rogers is a collection of literary anecdotes and personal reflections written in the late 18th century. This work compiles the thoughts and experiences of James Boswell, best known as the biographer of Dr. Samuel Johnson, revealing not only his insights into significant figures of his time but also his own complex character. The text aims to illuminate the sociocultural context of Scotland during this period. The opening of the work provides a prelude to Boswell's intentions behind maintaining his commonplace book, indicating that he aimed to use it as a foundation for a more comprehensive memoir. It sheds light on how Boswell documented not just his conversations with Johnson, but also his thoughts on life, literature, and the people he encountered. The compilation showcases Boswell's desire to capture the vibrancy of his experiences while interacting with notable intellectuals, presenting a rich tapestry of late 18th-century social discourse.
Life of Johnson, Volume 1 1709-1765
"Life of Johnson, Volume 1" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of English writer Samuel Johnson's life through detailed journal entries and meticulously recorded conversations. Drawing from Boswell's extensive daily journals, the book recreates Johnson's "life in scenes," capturing his wit, wisdom, and moral struggles. Praised from publication as a masterpiece, it revolutionized biographical writing and remains one of the most celebrated nonfiction works in English literature, offering both historical insight and enduring literary achievement.
Life of Johnson, Volume 5 Tour to the Hebrides (1773) and Journey into North Wales (1774)
"Life of Johnson, Volume 5" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and recorded conversations. Despite covering only the last twenty-two years of Johnson's existence, it became universally acclaimed and is often called the greatest biography in English. The work masterfully balances myth and reality, presenting Johnson as both moral hero and complex human being.
Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776
"Life of Johnson, Volume 2" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life, England's great writer and literary critic. Drawing from extensive journals and detailed conversations, Boswell recreates Johnson's world through vivid scenes and dialogue. Often called the greatest biography in English, it reveals a complex moral hero struggling with despair and personal eccentricities while displaying penetrating wisdom. The work transformed biographical writing and remains both an invaluable historical source and enduring literary masterpiece.
Life of Johnson, Volume 3 1776-1780
"Life of Johnson, Volume 3" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life through Boswell's detailed journal entries and collected conversations. Often called the greatest biography written in English, it recreates Johnson's "life in scenes" through vivid dialogue and intimate observations. The book reveals both Johnson's moral wisdom and personal struggles, transforming extensive notes into an enduring literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for over two centuries.
Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc.
"Life of Johnson, Volume 6" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This groundbreaking work chronicles the life of English writer Samuel Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest biography written in English. Drawing from Boswell's detailed journals spanning twenty-two years of friendship, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and conversations. Though critics debate its biographical accuracy and note its focus on Johnson's later years, the work remains a landmark in biographical literature and an enduring portrait of one man's complex moral character.
The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson, LL.D.
"The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson, LL.D." by James Boswell is a travel journal published in 1785. The work chronicles Boswell and Samuel Johnson's 1773 journey through the Scottish Highlands and western islands. Based on Boswell's detailed diary entries, the journal captures their conversations and experiences as they traveled from Edinburgh through remote islands including Skye, Coll, and Mull. Known for its anecdotal style and keen attention to detail, the journal served as a preview of Boswell's later masterpiece, his biography of Johnson.
Boswell's Correspondence with the Honourable Andrew Erskine, and His Journal of a Tour to Corsica
"Boswell's Correspondence with the Honourable Andrew Erskine and His Journal of a Tour to Corsica," edited by George Birkbeck Hill, is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The work provides an intimate insight into the correspondence between James Boswell, a notable biographer and journalist, and his friend Andrew Erskine, along with Boswell's own reflections on his travels in Corsica. The correspondence illuminates the personalities and literary ambitions of both men while the journal depicts Boswell's adventurous spirit during a turbulent time in Corsican history. The opening of the work sets the stage by showcasing the preface that provides context for the letters exchanged between Boswell and Erskine. It highlights the ambitions and eccentricities of Boswell, who, at a young age, eagerly engages in expressive and humorous exchanges with Erskine, touching on various aspects of life, love, and literature. The correspondence teems with playful banter that reflects their friendship, while the journal promises lively descriptions of Corsica's landscape and culture, juxtaposed against the socio-political backdrop of the island. This blend of personal correspondence and travel writing offers readers a unique glimpse into the world of two 18th-century literary figures.
Anecdotes of the Learned Pig With Notes, Critical and Explanatory, and Illustrations from Bozzy, Piozzi &c. &c.
"Anecdotes of the Learned Pig" by James Boswell and Hester Lynch Piozzi is a satirical work, likely written in the late 18th century. This unique text combines elements of humor and political commentary through the allegorical portrayal of a pig that possesses unusual talents and a penchant for rhetoric, reflecting the societal dynamics of its time. The book engages with themes of politics, celebrity, and the absurdity of public life. The narrative follows the eccentric life of a pig born under curious circumstances, who learns to speak and engages in various political musings. As the pig matures, it becomes involved in the tumultuous political atmosphere of the time, navigating between Tory and Whig sentiments. Throughout its journey, the pig develops relationships with notable figures and expresses disdain for political foes, all while humorously grappling with its own identity. The story is enriched with sharp wit and clever illustrations that reflect the absurdities of both animal and human nature, offering a rich commentary on society and politics of the era.
Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch
"Critical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David Malloch" is a satirical pamphlet co-authored by James Boswell, Andrew Erskine, and George Dempster, published in 1763. This literary work falls within the genre of criticism and addresses a contemporary play, "Elvira," which is itself a tragic adaptation by Malloch. The pamphlet critiques the play's quality and the author's reputation, reflecting the literary and theatrical norms of the mid-18th century. The content of "Critical Strictures" is essentially a biting commentary on Malloch's tragedy, which revolves around the themes of courtly love and familial conflict involving Don Pedro, Elvira, and the court of Portugal. The authors express their disdain for the predictable plot and lack of originality, likening Malloch’s writing to that of lesser playwrights. They lampoon the play's characterization and dramatic structure, pointing out its absurdities—such as a rebellion that is quickly resolved without genuine conflict. Despite the play running for a few nights, the criticism highlights the authors' views, suggesting that both the play and its author do not achieve the expected literary or emotional depth.
No Abolition of Slavery Or the Universal Empire of Love, A poem
"No Abolition of Slavery; or the Universal Empire of Love" by James Boswell is a poem penned in the late 18th century. This literary work addresses the contentious issue of slavery, specifically focusing on the arguments against its abolition in Britain. The poem engages with political rhetoric of the time, showcasing the author's stance on the relationship between slavery and the perceived benefits it provides to individuals involved, particularly in the context of the West Indies. In this poem, Boswell employs satire and personal commentary to critique the abolitionist movement and those advocating for the rights of enslaved individuals. The poem juxtaposes the conditions of enslaved Africans with the hardships faced by the lower classes in Britain, implying that both groups experience suffering in different forms. Through vivid imagery and various character portrayals, the poet ultimately argues for the continuation of slavery, underlining the complicity of love and desire in human hierarchies. The result is a complex exploration of power, social structure, and love, casting a controversial light on a deeply divisive topic of the era.