Ode by Dr. Samuel Johnson to Mrs. Thrale, upon their supposed approaching nuptials

Title

Ode by Dr. Samuel Johnson to Mrs. Thrale, upon their supposed approaching nuptials

Author

Boswell, James

Imprint

London: Printed for R. Faulder, New-Bond-Street

Language

English

Date of publication

1784

Notes
Image  of  'Ode by Dr. Samuel Johnson to Mrs. Thrale, upon their supposed approaching nuptials'

The folded sheets of a suggestive parody by Boswell mocking Dr Johnson's alleged designs on the wealthy widow Hester Thrale (1741-1821). Johnson was a regular guest of the Thrales and after the death of her husband she was able to live independently on the proceeds of the sale of his brewery. However, Johnson and Mrs Thrale's friendship was entirely platonic. The use of quotes from Mrs Thrale's Letters, published in 1788, demonstrate that the pamphlet was not printed in 1784 as stated on the title page. This copy likely comes from the "quantity of loose sheets" described by Pottle, found by a Glasgow bookseller at Auchinleck.

Shelfmark

RB.m.786

Reference sources

Bookseller's catalogue

Acquisition date

26 April 2019