James Boswell

Date of Birth: October 29, 1740

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 19, 1795

Biography

James Boswell was born on October 29, 1740, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was a prominent Scottish lawyer, diarist, and author, best known for his biography of Samuel Johnson, which has earned him a place in literary history. Boswell was educated at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, later studying law at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1766 and practiced law in Edinburgh. Boswell’s legacy, however, extends far beyond his legal career. His detailed journals, which he kept throughout his life, provide a fascinating insight into 18th-century society, culture, and notable figures of the time. His most famous work, “Life of Samuel Johnson,” published in 1791, is considered one of the greatest biographies written in the English language. Boswell’s relationship with Johnson, a towering figure in English literature, was both a professional and personal one, filled with deep admiration and intellectual exchange. Boswell married his cousin, Margaret Montgomerie, in 1769, and they had several children together. Despite his professional successes, Boswell struggled with personal issues, including alcoholism and bouts of depression. He continued to practice law and write until his death on May 19, 1795.

5 Interesting Facts about James Boswell

1. James Boswell is often credited with inventing modern biography due to his detailed and personal portrayal of Samuel Johnson.

2. His journals, discovered in the 20th century, provide some of the most vivid accounts of 18th-century life and have been published in multiple volumes.

3. Boswell was a close friend of several notable figures, including the philosopher David Hume and the poet Samuel Johnson.

4. He was known for his witty and charming personality, which helped him navigate the social circles of his time.

5. Boswell’s “Life of Samuel Johnson” was critically acclaimed and remains a significant work in both literary and historical studies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Boswell

1. “I hate mankind, for I think myself one of the best of them, and I know how bad I am.”

2. “He who has provoked the lash of wit, cannot complain that he smarts from it.”

3. “We cannot be sure that we have something worth communicating till it has been communicated.”

4. “I have discovered that we may be in some degree whatever character we choose. Besides, practice forms a man to anything.”

5. “The pleasure of gratifying whim is very great. It is known only by those who are whimsical.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James Boswell’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but he was a successful lawyer and author, and his estate included his family lands in Auchinleck, Scotland.

Children

James Boswell and his wife Margaret Montgomerie had seven children. Their names were: 1. Alexander Boswell (1775–1822) – He became the 8th Laird of Auchinleck and was a noted poet and songwriter. 2. James Boswell (1778–1822) – He followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in law. 3. Veronica Boswell (1773–1795) – She had a short life and died young. 4. Euphemia Boswell (1774–1834) – She remained unmarried throughout her life. 5. Elizabeth Boswell (1776–1873) – She lived a long life and was known for her charitable works. 6. David Boswell (1778–1822) – He also died relatively young. 7. Thomas David Boswell (1778–1822) – One of the triplets, he shared the same fate as his siblings.