Hester Lynch Piozzi 
Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D 
During the Last Twenty Years of His Life

In ‘Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D’, Hester Lynch Piozzi presents a collection of intimate stories and anecdotes about the renowned literary figure, Samuel Johnson. Written in a conversational and engaging style, the book offers a unique glimpse into Johnson’s personality and relationships. Piozzi’s firsthand accounts provide valuable insights into the life and times of this notable figure, shedding light on his quirks, wit, and wisdom. The anecdotes are not only entertaining but also offer a deeper understanding of Johnson’s character and legacy. Hester Lynch Piozzi, a close friend of Samuel Johnson, was uniquely positioned to offer such candid and revealing anecdotes about the literary giant. Her personal connection and deep admiration for Johnson shine through in the pages of this book, making it a heartfelt tribute to his memory. Piozzi’s writing style is both eloquent and sincere, capturing the essence of Johnson’s complex personality with warmth and authenticity. I highly recommend ‘Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D’ to readers interested in 18th-century literary figures, especially those fascinated by Samuel Johnson. Piozzi’s firsthand accounts provide a valuable and captivating perspective on this iconic figure, offering a rich tapestry of anecdotes that bring Johnson to life in a vivid and memorable way.

About the author

Hester Lynch Piozzi, born Hester Lynch Salusbury and later known as Mrs. Thrale, was an acclaimed British diarist, author, and patron of the arts. Her literary contributions are particularly significant for their insightful portrayals of leading figures of her time, most notably the esteemed lexicographer Samuel Johnson. Piozzi was born on 27 January 1741 in Bodvel, Wales, and exhibited a talent for writing and a keen intellect from an early age. Her marriage to the wealthy brewer Henry Thrale in 1763 brought her into the circle of London’s literary elite. Piozzi’s close association with Dr. Johnson, who became a regular at the Thrale household, provided her with ample material for her best-known work, ‘Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, LL.D, ‘ published in 1786. This work is treasured not merely as a biographical account but also as a reflection of the social and cultural milieu of 18th-century England. The intimate and often candid anecdotes rendered the book a valuable resource for Johnsonian scholars. Following her first husband’s death and subsequent remarriage to Italian musician Gabriel Piozzi, her literary style evolved, combining elements of her Welsh heritage with broader European influences. Her later works continued to demonstrate her prowess as a writer and maintain her status as a significant figure in the landscape of British literature. Hester Lynch Piozzi died on 2 May 1821, but her literary legacy endures through her perceptive observations and her contribution to the genre of biography.