Johnson and His Books

As one of the most learned men of his age, Johnson's associates naturally turned to him for advice about reading, or if they were especially close, to borrow a book. Johnson provided such advice to Daniel Astle (ca. 1745-1821), lately returned from his army service in America (which included seeing action at the battle of Bunker Hill), and beginning his studies for the ministry. The titles Johnson recommends are primarily religious and historical, but also include Walton's The Compleat Angler. The list shows clear signs of wear and folding, and may have been carried by Astle for some time. Boswell describes Johnson's treatment of books as "slovenly and careless" and Johnson's friends learned to be wary of lending their books to him. He was occasionally willing to lend his own books out, however, as this scrap of paper records loans to Giuseppe Barretti and Elizabeth Desmoulins, among others.