Nobody can write the life of a man but those who have eat and drunk and lived in social intercourse with him

Nobody can write the life of a man but those who have eat and drunk and lived in social intercourse with him

Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer, critic, and lexicographer, is a figure whose life and works have been extensively studied and analyzed by scholars and biographers. Johnson himself was a prolific writer, producing essays, poems, and literary criticism that have had a lasting impact on English literature. However, despite his own writings, it is often said that only those who knew him personally, who had shared meals and conversations with him, can truly capture the essence of his life and character.

Johnson was known for his wit, intelligence, and strong opinions, which often made him a controversial figure in his time. He was a larger-than-life personality, with a booming voice and a commanding presence that left a lasting impression on those who met him. His famous work, "The Life of Samuel Johnson," written by his friend and biographer James Boswell, is considered one of the greatest biographies in the English language. Boswell spent years in close proximity to Johnson, accompanying him on his travels and recording their conversations and interactions in great detail.

Through Boswell's meticulous observations and recordings, readers are given a glimpse into the daily life and thoughts of Johnson, shedding light on his personality, quirks, and struggles. Boswell's biography is often praised for its vivid portrayal of Johnson as a complex and multifaceted individual, showing both his brilliance and his flaws. It is through these intimate details and personal anecdotes that we are able to truly understand and appreciate the man behind the words.