The Life of Samuel Johnson Audiobook By James Boswell cover art

The Life of Samuel Johnson

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The Life of Samuel Johnson

By: James Boswell
Narrated by: David Timson
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Charming, vibrant, witty and edifying, The Life of Samuel Johnson is a work of great obsession and boundless reverence. The literary critic Samuel Johnson was 54 when he first encountered Boswell; the friendship that developed spawned one of the greatest biographies in the history of world literature.

The book is full of humorous anecdote and rich characterization, and paints a vivid picture of 18th-century London, peopled by prominent personalities of the time such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Wilkes, Oliver Goldsmith and David Garrick, while also giving a compelling insight into Johnson's complex humanity - his depression, fear of death, intellectual brilliance and rough humor.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2017 Naxos AudioBooks Art & Literature Authors Entertainment & Celebrities Europe European Great Britain Literary History & Criticism World Literature Celebrity England Comedy Funny Witty
Engaging Biography • Vivid Character Portrayal • Legendary Wit • Lively Writing Style • Insightful Literary Work
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Way too long for anyone other than the most serious student of his life and or times, I think. Well-performed, interesting subject matter usually. I think redundant and over-kill. That's the fault of Boswell's man-crush. lol.

For the serious fan only, maybe?

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The reader does a superb job of bringing to life the various characters in this lengthy book. Boswell's writing is clear and lively, and gives to each reader who has patience to get through his long work a sense of near acquaintance with this exceptional man. I enjoyed the brief glimpses of other contemporaries like Hannah More and John Wesley, and historic events like the Revolutionary War, all viewed from, as it were, ground level. The inclusion of his letters is a valuable addition, especially as a picture of friendship before the technological age.

Excellent

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I've never before felt like I knew the subject of a book personally. Boswell makes you feel as if you actually knew Johnson, and the reader makes both Johnson and Boswell come to life.

There's one part that I was particularly impressed with: Boswell quotes Hawkins quoting Johnson, after Boswell expresses doubts about the authenticity of the quote. The reader read the quote in Johnson's "voice", but subtly added the accent from the Hawkins "voice" to it. I was impressed that that much attention was paid to details.

Stunningly thorough

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Mr. Timmons’ reading allowed the listener to imagine he was eavesdropping on the dawning of modern English literature. This exhilarating experience was in no small part due to the narrator’s complete, consistent, and nuanced application of the appropriate dialect for everyone of the represented characters.

A Masterful Reading Of The Classic Biography

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Highly recommended. It’s the kind of book (or audiobook) that can be read and reread.

Brilliant

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You see the subject for who he really was rather than for where he went and what he did.

Unique

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I usually try to wait till I’ve finished listening to a book to write a review. I have to make an exception in this case. David Timson is the perfect narrator for Boswell’s Life of Johnson, and he carries it off with lightness and charm (and the slightest of Scottish accents). I took a point off on the story because I dislike Boswell - it’s irrational, but despite his charm and his devotion to Johnson, I can’t help feeling he’s not a very nice person. Fortunately the effect of the book is of spending many hours in Johnson’s company rather than Boswell’s.

There is one other recording of the complete Life available on Audible. While both are excellent, Timson’s delivery is more engaging and the sound quality of this recording is better.

Don’t think of it as a mammoth undertaking. Think of it as something to listen to for an hour a day - at that rate you’ll have gone through the whole thing in less than two months. You can even take weekends off.

Wonderful!

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I enjoyed reading Boswell’s Johnson, and loved Timson’s performance of same. The book comes to life in his recording. It’s as grand as a Beethoven symphony.

Amazing quality

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The voice of Johnson had such a natural affect that I believe that I was hearing Dr Johnson.

The voice of Johnson

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Samuel Johnson’s life’s and times (1709- 1784) captured in this book are still worth listening to -even in the 21st Century. Boswell captures an extraordinary personality who shaped and reflected his age. A major time investment is required, but for the right person, well rewarded.

An Experience Worth Considering

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