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

"Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, LL.D." by Hester Lynch Piozzi is a collection of biographical anecdotes and reflections written in the late 18th century. This work provides insight into the life and character of the noted author and critic Samuel Johnson, particularly during the last twenty years of his life. It captures moments from his friendships, personal experiences, and social interactions, drawing a vivid portrait of Johnson's personality and thoughts. The opening of this memoir begins with a brief introduction to Hester Lynch Piozzi, formerly Mrs. Thrale, who was a close friend to Johnson and provided a home for him in his later years. It outlines her background, their relationship, and the literary atmosphere of the time. Piozzi shares personal anecdotes about Johnson, his family, and his early life, portraying the complexities of his character, his literary genius, and his often tumultuous relationships. The narrative suggests a blend of admiration and personal reflection, hinting at both the warmth of their camaraderie and the challenges of his personality. As the reader is drawn in, it sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Johnson’s influential life and the connections that shaped him. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi was a Welsh writer and socialite who was an important source on Samuel Johnson and 18th-century British life. She belonged to the prominent Salusbury family of Anglo-Welsh landowners, and married firstly a wealthy brewer, Henry Thrale, with whom she had 12 children, then a music teacher, Gabriel Mario Piozzi. Her Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson (1786) and her diary Thraliana, published posthumously in 1942, are the main works for which she is remembered. She also wrote a popular history book, a travel book, and a dictionary. She has been seen as a protofeminist.