Samuel Johnson's marked individuality and at times eccentric behaviour make him a good subject for a biography. The book covers from his birth in 1709 to his death in 1784.

This edition, released in 1887 as part of the Great Writer's series by Walter Scott Publishing, London is a compilation of several sources, including Boswell's Life. An extensive biography is included as an appendix for those wishing to extend their reading.

Colonel Francis Grant's writing is easily accessible and the work includes all salient incidents in the life of Samuel Johnson including the following: meeting Queen Anne as a child for her touch as medical cure for "king's evil", discussions with George III, his budding friendship with James Boswell, the "Club" and its members, a tour of the Herbides with Boswell, et cetera.

Enjoyable biography of an 18th century writer. ( )