Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was one of those rare men who thought for himself and thought very well. Self-educated and widely educated, he fought through grinding poverty and continued illness to become one of the most distinguished scholars, critics, and writers in English history.

“Selected Essays from the Rambler, Adventurer and Idler” is a sampling of Johnson essays edited by noted Johnson biographer W. Jackson Bate. Johnson’s writing is straightforward and unpretentious.

Johnson knew that it was easier to give good advice than to take it. Taking advantage of Johnson’s experience and keen observation of life wants some practice in that type of exercise, as well as a will honestly to identify and admit of illusions and discard them, as Johnson clearly and remarkably succeeded in doing for himself.

Recommended to those with some such practice and will, and to anyone who might enjoy the company of a penetrating mind at work.

Otherwise, take my advice and pass on these essays.

James Boswell’s “Life of Samuel Johnson” is a most enjoyable biography, while Bate’s “Samuel Johnson” is more authoritative and balanced.
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