The Life of Samuel Johnson

This section represents a turning point in the Life, as it marks the moment when Boswell meets Johnson for the first time. Here the texture of the book changes markedly. Whereas the earlier portions presented a traditional biographical narrative (with occasional letters), now Boswell will present recollected conversations between him, Johnson, and others, interspersed with reflections and narration from Boswell’s own perspective. Accordingly, dialogue takes a more important role.

Additionally, the pace of the narrative slows down as Boswell records Johnson’s conversation, personality, and ideas in minute detail. To a great extent the preceding part of the Life was preparation for this main portion. Here Boswell in effect enters his own narrative and interacts with the subject of his biography. Since Boswell (who was middle-aged when he wrote the Life) has become a famous author in his own right, readers are presented with two authors interacting and sharing ideas and experiences on a more or less equal footing. 

In 1762, Boswell is a 22-year-old native of Scotland who loves literature and, in particular, the writings of Johnson. After coming to London, he seeks opportunities of meeting Johnson at gatherings of other literary friends—including the actor Thomas Sheridan—but the meetings always fall through.