Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776

In this middle section of the classic biography, listeners are taken into the bustling years when Dr. Samuel Johnson, fresh from completing his monumental Shakespeare edition, finds his days filled with a flurry of literary commissions and endless correspondence. Though he retreats into silence for months, his keen mind remains active, crafting dedications for patrons ranging from royalty to modest musicians, all while offering generous assistance to friends seeking his editorial eye.

The narrative also follows Johnson’s personal connections—a lively exchange with his loyal biographer, passionate letters from Corsica, and warm, sometimes humorous, attempts to bridge distance with old companions. As the decade unfolds, the portrait emerges of a man whose towering intellect coexists with a tender affection for family, friendship, and the simple pleasures of conversation, inviting listeners to experience the humanity behind the famed critic.