Samuel johnson biography by boswell

The first mention of Dr. Johnson in James Boswell's writings is in his journal entry of September 21, 1762 - he writes that he finds Dr. Johnson "a man of much philosophy, extensive reading, and real knowledge".

At this time they had not met but Dr. Johnson was so great a personality than one would expect his name to appear frequently in literary discussions.

Boswell had wanted to meet Johnson as early as 1760, during his first visit to London, and Samuel Derrick had promised to introduce Boswell to him.

Derrick, however, did not keep his promise. When Boswell next came to London in Nov 1762 he was hoping that Thomas Sheridan could introduce him, but the former friends Sheridan and Johnson had had a fall-out. Then on Christmas Day 1762, he went to Thomas Davies' bookshop in the hope of meeting Johnson, but on this day had to content himself with meeting Oliver Goldsmith and Robert Dodsley instead.

On May 16th, 1763 - once again in Davies' bookshop - Boswell and Johnson fina