This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Life of Samuel Johnson

   Including A Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides

   

   "The Life of Samuel Johnson" is a comprehensive biography that chronicles the life of one of the most prominent English literary figures of the 18th century. The book provides an in-depth account of Samuel Johnson's life, his literary works, and his significant contribution to English literature. It also offers a detailed portrait of his personality, his relationships, his struggles with depression and illness, and his views on a variety of subjects. The book is as much a biography of Johnson as it is a portrayal of 18th-century England.

   The 300th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. The Journals Of James Boswell

   The Scottish Biographer's Diaries

   

   The book is a detailed and candid collection of personal diaries, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and times of the 18th-century Scottish writer. It chronicles his experiences, observations, and reflections, ranging from his ambitious legal career and lively social life to his travels and interactions with notable figures of his era. Renowned for its rich portrayal of the author's personality and the social mores of the period, the journals provide a valuable historical account, as well as a deep exploration of the author's inner world, his aspirations, insecurities, and intellectual pursuits.

   The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

3. 3. Boswell's London Journal, 1762-1763

   

   This book is a journal-style account of a young Scottish man's experiences in 18th-century London. It provides a vivid and detailed account of the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time. The author, a law student, records his interactions with notable figures of the day, his romantic pursuits, his struggles with depression, and his efforts to establish himself in London society. His observations offer unique insights into the life and times of 18th-century London.

   The 15901st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

4. 4. Journal Of A Tour To The Hebrides

   with Samuel Johnson, LL.D.

   

   This travelogue captures the vivid experiences and reflections of a journey through the rugged landscapes of the Hebrides, undertaken in the late 18th century. The narrative provides a detailed account of the cultural encounters, natural beauty, and historical insights encountered during the expedition. Through engaging anecdotes and keen observations, the work offers a glimpse into the social dynamics and traditions of the Scottish islands, while also highlighting the companionship and intellectual exchanges between the travelers, making it a rich tapestry of exploration and discovery.

   The 15901st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
5. 5. Boswell On The Grand Tour

   Italy, Corsica & France 1765–1766

   

   A lively travel journal documenting a young Scotsman's Grand Tour through Europe in the 1760s, blending vivid descriptions of landscapes, art and daily life with candid self-reflection, social encounters and comic misadventures; the narrative records meetings with a range of local characters and notable figures, observations on manners, politics and culture, and the development of a keenly observant, often wryly humorous literary voice as he negotiates language, etiquette and the formative experiences that shape his outlook.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

6. 6. Boswell In Holland

   

   A spirited travel journal recounting the author's journey through the Netherlands, offering vivid anecdotal portraits of people he meets, detailed observations of Dutch customs, manners, provincial life and institutions, and candid reflections on language, religion and social habits; written in a lively, conversational tone that blends humour, acute character sketches and personal incidents, it serves both as a curious traveller’s record of foreign society and a revealing self-portrait of the writer’s interests and sensibilities.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org