The Life of Samuel Johnson

In 1766, Johnson expresses his opinion on a matter relating to Scotland and its native language. Some Scottish leaders have proposed translating the Bible into Scottish Gaelic, but others oppose this on the grounds that it will perpetuate the social divide between Gaelic speakers (Highlanders) and other North Britons. Johnson writes a letter to a prominent Edinburgh bookseller arguing forcefully that the translation should go forward, because knowledge must advance and because Christianity should not be obscured for political reasons.

This letter shows several of Johnson’s abiding interests: his strong religious spirit, his belief in the advancement of knowledge, and his “zeal for languages” (374)—in particular to preserve native languages and dialects from extinction. In part thanks to Johnson’s letter, the Scottish leaders allow the “pious scheme” to go forward.

During one of Johnson’s visits to “the library at the Queen’s house” (379), King George III pays him a visit and converses with him. The conversation turns on literary topics and is “courteously easy,” with the king complimenting Johnson on his talents as a writer. Later, Johnson delights in recounting the incident to his club friends, who are very impressed. Oliver Goldsmith, however, feels some “chagrin and envy” (384) for Johnson, feelings he will display later on as well.