Life of Johnson, Volume 4 1780-1784

"Life of Johnson, Volume 4" by James Boswell is a biography that documents the final years of the famous Dr. Samuel Johnson, spanning from 1780 to 1784. The book acts as both a record of Johnson’s life and a window into the late 18th century, told through Boswell’s personal experiences and collection of Johnson's memorable quotes. Boswell begins by lamenting his infrequent meetings with Johnson but enriches the narrative by sharing a compilation of Johnson's wisdom and witty remarks, some from his own notes and those of his friend Mr. Langton. These excerpts highlight Johnson's opinions on everything from books and poems to morality and daily life, revealing his straightforward and often funny nature. By presenting these insights, Boswell prepares the reader for a more detailed examination of Johnson's life, intellectual pursuits, and the lively debates that defined literary society at the time.