If you want to really be blown away read the massive autobiography written by his life long friend. Its the most detailed and accurate biography ever written.
Forty-plus years ago I was given an undergraduate assignment to analyze Johnson, of whom I knew nothing. Now, I "get it" and have a far better understanding of the man. Perhaps, also of myself. Thank you for this excellent production.
As an OCD sufferer myself, I love revisiting this documentary from time to time. Johnson is one of my favorite historical figures; I find it so inspiring, how he was able to endure all of the anxiety and depression that plagued him throughout his life, and overcome it all to become one of the greatest intellectuals and authors of all time. It's good to know his story has the same impact on others in the same boat. I hope you're doing well, friend :)
I heartily recommend Paul Fussell's distinctive biography, SAM'L JOHNSON & THE LIFE OF WRITING. Extraordinary book, and unique (I believe) in its emphasis on the man's "manner of proceeding" in taking pen to paper, his understanding of what writing was and of his writerly duty. The last sentence of the book: "Johnson's species in the Lives [of the Poets] is the writer as representative man, obliged by his frailty to imitate and to adhere to genres and conventions which he has not devised; tormented by the hunger of imagination only to be always defeated of his hopes; and finally carried away by the very stream of time which it has been his ironic ambition to shape, and by shaping, to arrest." (Fussell is best known for THE GREAT WAR & MODERN MEMORY, and in general for his hard-won skepticism about the heroic narrative of war; he also wrote a wryly funny and insightful book called CLASS.)
I read once that Boswell, after he had written a travel book about Corsica, went about prodding others to call him Corsica Boswell, to attach the achievement to his name in the public's mind. It did not catch on, obviously because of the relatively small significance of the work compared to that of Dictionary Johnson.
I truly enjoyed viewing this well crafted program! One of the many aspects that I particularly liked was the portrayal of Dr.Johnson's kindness and humanity by showing him adopting the young Jamaican boy and giving him a great start in life both as a person and financially as well...
I think the word "get" is an example of one of those extremely versatile verbs in English. Usually it means the same as acquire, obtain, or receive. But then what is "getting by?" Are you trying to possess something called by? Obviously not. "Get" can also mean "to become," as in "getting drunk" or "getting fit."
What is the name of the song that is played at the beginning of this . I think it is Chopin , but I can not remember. My mother often played the tune on the piano.
Hi you seem like a scholar and a very intelligent gentleman I have some questions I would like for you to answer them the first question our so-called black people in so-called people of color or so-called Africans are they Moors the second question our so-called white people hybrid Albion Europeans the third question are Moors the Aboriginal Europeans the fourth question are Moors the Aboriginal Americans
Superb! An antidote to the tsunami of crap on TV in on both sides of the Atlantic in December 2020.
"TV on both sides," Johnson would not forgive such a slip
If you want to really be blown away read the massive autobiography written by his life long friend. Its the most detailed and accurate biography ever written.
Yes we know of Boswell.
Durants book is excellent on this man
Forty-plus years ago I was given an undergraduate assignment to analyze Johnson, of whom I knew nothing. Now, I "get it" and have a far better understanding of the man. Perhaps, also of myself. Thank you for this excellent production.
Thanks for sharing. A moving documentary for a person suffering OCD. Thanks. :)
As an OCD sufferer myself, I love revisiting this documentary from time to time. Johnson is one of my favorite historical figures; I find it so inspiring, how he was able to endure all of the anxiety and depression that plagued him throughout his life, and overcome it all to become one of the greatest intellectuals and authors of all time. It's good to know his story has the same impact on others in the same boat. I hope you're doing well, friend :)
The old guy who played Johnson sure has been around, props to him. His face is so recognizable, yet can't place a single role.
Does Game of Thrones ring a bell? Lol.
I am trying to identify this actor portraying Johnson. Roger Ashton-Griffiths.
I’m pretty sure he was the girls dad in ‘The Patriot’
Seen him in “The Tudors” on showtime as well when that was on.
A delightful biography of Samuel Johnson, of which Boswell would approve.
Absolutely first-rate.
I heartily recommend Paul Fussell's distinctive biography, SAM'L JOHNSON & THE LIFE OF WRITING. Extraordinary book, and unique (I believe) in its emphasis on the man's "manner of proceeding" in taking pen to paper, his understanding of what writing was and of his writerly duty. The last sentence of the book: "Johnson's species in the Lives [of the Poets] is the writer as representative man, obliged by his frailty to imitate and to adhere to genres and conventions which he has not devised; tormented by the hunger of imagination only to be always defeated of his hopes; and finally carried away by the very stream of time which it has been his ironic ambition to shape, and by shaping, to arrest." (Fussell is best known for THE GREAT WAR & MODERN MEMORY, and in general for his hard-won skepticism about the heroic narrative of war; he also wrote a wryly funny and insightful book called CLASS.)
oh thank you! - I did not know he wrote a book on this subject
This is very amazing
Johnson with 1700 original definitions in the current Oxford English Dictionary? Fascinating. He lives on in most of us who use the language today.
THOSE WHO ATTAIN ANY EXCELLENCE, COMMONLY SPEND LIFE IN ONE PURSUIT; FOR EXCELLENCE IS NOT OFTEN GAINED UPON EASIER TERMS.
Fascinating!
I read once that Boswell, after he had written a travel book about Corsica, went about prodding others to call him Corsica Boswell, to attach the achievement to his name in the public's mind. It did not catch on, obviously because of the relatively small significance of the work compared to that of Dictionary Johnson.
Thanks for the upload
SAMUEL JOHNSON SIMPLY IMPLIES "FOCUSED THINKING".
I truly enjoyed viewing this well crafted program! One of the many aspects that I particularly liked was the portrayal of Dr.Johnson's kindness and humanity by showing him adopting the young Jamaican boy and giving him a great start in life both as a person and financially as well...
Ixy.... Many great thank you's be onto you for sharing this with us.....
Excellent. Thank you for the upload.
Johnson was a dictionary writing badass!!
using google for best English dictionary brought me here...awesome.
Here for science
thanks for the upload...always wanted a copy of his original dictionary.
Thank you.
I really dig this guy
Excellent programme. Thanks for uploading.
Thanks for sharing! Great video.
40:20; "I will not be bullied!" 🇬🇧
oh my gosh! this chubby guy at the end just cracks me up!!
Excellent documentary
17:23 Speculation is the enemy of calm.
kiitos
Why BBC don't make documentaries like that again?
Wish we could have had Leo McKern as Johnson.
34:44 I knew that I have seen him somewhere before!
Sorry, first time searching about him
Where are the references to this allegedly "unbroken 17th century code"?
I can think of a few cryptographers who would be very interested.
Yeah, I wondered how, especially after WW2 , there could really be an unbreakable code designed by teenagers at Oxford.
Probably few know of it and/or have an interest in it sadly.
I think the word "get" is an example of one of those extremely versatile verbs in English. Usually it means the same as acquire, obtain, or receive. But then what is "getting by?" Are you trying to possess something called by? Obviously not. "Get" can also mean "to become," as in "getting drunk" or "getting fit."
What about his hit sequel, "Dictionary II: The Return Of The Killer Dictionary"?
Such a great episode!
"plethora": ugh.
Die Vulgäre Analyse
Shlomo fucking Finkelstein aka die vulgäre verfickte Analyse!
Photographic memory?
Assalamu'alaikum Wr. Wb.
Saya Dendi Cholid
Google Dan UA-cam
Mengucapkan!
Selamat Hari
Ulang Tahun Alm.
Samuel Johnson Ke 308
Assalamu'alaikum Wr. Wb. Saya Dendi Cholid Google Dan UA-cam Mengucapkan! Selamat Hari Ulang Tahun Alm. Samuel Johnson Ke 308
Looking at his portrait , it reminded me of 4he former mare of London.
Are they relatwd?
Strange how people find it so odd that his wife Tetty was 45 and Johnson was in his 20s,,,no one would even comment if it was the other way round.
Strange that you find it strange that people react in accordance with what's around them rather a contrived symmetry
yh the lucky dog
There is no issue with Johnson's wife being older than he.
@ 28:20
A true English dictionary, for true Englishmen!
"A local book for local people!"
Wasn’t ‘Molly’ an 18thC version of ‘Gay’? (Re graffiti in the student register)
What is the name of the song that is played at the beginning of this . I think it is Chopin , but I can not remember. My mother often played the tune on the piano.
42,000 words
Far - very far - from being unknown when he compiled the dictionary. Inaccurate.
Hi you seem like a scholar and a very intelligent gentleman I have some questions I would like for you to answer them the first question our so-called black people in so-called people of color or so-called Africans are they Moors the second question our so-called white people hybrid Albion Europeans the third question are Moors the Aboriginal Europeans the fourth question are Moors the Aboriginal Americans
Oh my! This sounds like Benedict Cumberbatch narrating! Oh gush! Just saw the credits and it is him. Lovely. :-)
Why is she not wearing gloves@12:00?
oh, yes. I have trouble with every documentary where gloves aren't used. I don't understand how professionals could overlook such a simple procedure!
+midwestkatie because they actually do more damage than well washed and well dried hands.
pfaffman100
pfaffman100
Vanessa johnson
Read about Johnson's friend and stabbing Italian Baretti!
What the fuck im reading
reza wahyu
The actor's voice is not nearly as creaky and curmudgeonly as it should be.
terrif. will make sure to av a luk @ dat dictionary init
Why every people are wearing wig ... means going bald was the problem in 17th century as well :D
Mam you smell - I stink
Ooommgggh i took a course in college entitled “life of johnson”(samuel). Most boring course of my life. 😠😖
I feel so sorry for you.