Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D. During the Last Twenty Years of His Life

A vivid portrait emerges from the lively rooms of the Thrale household, where a young Hester Lynch—later Mrs. Piozzi—first encountered Dr. Samuel Johnson. At the time she was a spirited, red‑cheeked hostess, eager to entertain the era’s literary crowd, and Johnson, newly honoured with an LL.D., quickly became the “lion‑in‑chief” of their gatherings. Their evenings brimmed with conversation in multiple languages, hearty meals, and the occasional candle‑lit reading that left the great critic’s wig singed, a detail that hints at his endearing quirks.

Through a series of charming anecdotes, the memoir captures Johnson’s formidable intellect, his sharp humor, and the tender, sometimes strained, friendships that surrounded him. The narrative also reveals the domestic dramas of the Thrales—their joys, jealousies, and financial worries—offering listeners a warm, human glimpse into the world that shaped one of English literature’s most iconic figures.