The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell
"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 319th greatest book of all time
Ranking Details:
Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:
Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.
Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:
- Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
- Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.
Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.
This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.
Total Points: 833
This book was first published in 1791
10 Lists
- score: 127 -- The Ideal Library - 2024 (Weight: 123)
- score: 120 -- A Hundred Novels to Change Your Life - 2019 (Weight: 120)
- score: 112 -- The Guardian's Essential Library - 2002 (Weight: 112)
- score: 90 -- Six Professors from "Esteemed" Universities Favorite Books - 1982 (Weight: 90)
- score: 86 -- The New Lifetime Reading Plan - 1999 (Weight: 86)
- score: 78 -- The 100 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time - 2017 (Weight: 78)
- score: 78 -- Masterpieces of World Literature - 1991 (Weight: 78)
- score: 63 -- 110 Best Books: The Perfect Library - 2008 (Weight: 63)
- score: 56 -- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon - 1994 (Weight: 56)
- score: 22 -- Top 50 Books - 1997 (Weight: 22)