We do not know very much about Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson’s servant — even the portrait we have of him is probably of someone else — but what we do know is well-contained and contextualised in The Fortunes of Francis Barber by Michael Bundock, a book so clear and concise it must count as one of the better Johnson books of recent years. Bundock is a barrister, as well as
Thanks for this. I certainly wanted to learn more about Barber after reading Boswell's Life of Johnson. You describe this book as one of the best recent Johnson-related books. What books about Samuel Johnson would you most recommend? (Besides the Boswell, of course.) Thus far I've stuck to Johnson's own writings.
Thanks for this. I certainly wanted to learn more about Barber after reading Boswell's Life of Johnson. You describe this book as one of the best recent Johnson-related books. What books about Samuel Johnson would you most recommend? (Besides the Boswell, of course.) Thus far I've stuck to Johnson's own writings.
Maybe the Kardashians are distant relatives of Johnson?