Copy 1, Volume 1

The life of Samuel Johnson, L.L.D. Comprehending an account of his studies, and numerous works, in chronological order : a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons and various original pieces of his composition, never before published / by James Boswell.

  • James Boswell
Date:
1816
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The life of Samuel Johnson, L.L.D. Comprehending an account of his studies, and numerous works, in chronological order : a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons and various original pieces of his composition, never before published / by James Boswell. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Leland, one of their number; but I have not been able to obtain a copy of it.^ He appears this year to have been seized with a temporary fit of ambition, for he had thoughts both of studying law, and of engaging in politicks. His Prayer before the Study of Law” is truly admirable: 1765. 56,. « Sept. 26, 1765. Almighty God, the giver of wisdom, without whose help resolutions are vain, without whose bles- sing study is ineffectual; enable me, if it be thy ^ [Since the publication of the edition in 1804, a copy of this letter has been obligingly communicated to me by John Leland, Esq. son to the learned Historian, to whom it is addressed: “ TO THE REV. DR. LELAND. Sir, “ Among the names subscribed to the degree which I have had the honour of receiving from the University of Dublin, I find none of which I have any personal knowledge but those of Dr. Andrews and yourself. “ Men can be estimated by those who know them not, only as they are represented by those who know them; and therefore I flatter myself that I owe much of the pleasure which this distinc- tion gives me, to your concurrence with Dr. Andrews in recom- mending me to the learned society. ‘‘ Having desired the Provost to return my general thanks to the University, I beg that you, Sir, will accept my particular and immediate acknowledgments. “ I am. Sir, “ Your most obedient and most humble servant, “ JohnsonVcourt, Fleet-street, Sam. JoHNSON.” London, Oct. 17, 1765. I have not been able to recover the letter which Johnson wrote to Dr, Andrews on this occasion. Malone.]
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