"...all other wits are nothing compared with him. You may be diverted by them, but Johnson gives you a forcible hug, and shakes laughter out of you whether you will or no" - David Garrick, in James Boswell
 
This little book chronicles the sayings, pronouncements and, of course, definitions of Dr Johnson. Born in 1709, the son of a bookseller, he remained in literary circles his whole life and despite describing himself (a lexicographer, a writer of dictionaries) as a "harmless drudge", was a prolific critic, writer and editor. In considering two bad writers, he concluded "there is no settling the point of precedency between a louse and a flea". He was also a great lover of cats (Hodge) and somewhat of a social glutton, making, one would imagine, fine after dinner company.