The Life of Samuel Johnson

A member of the historical liberal or progressive political party in Great Britain, opposed to the Tories. The main principle of the Whigs was opposition to monarchical prerogatives and a more democratic and less hierarchical view of society.

A supporter of the exiled Stuart King James II and his descendants after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The label continued to have relevance during Johnson’s day as a mark of political loyalties.

From the Latin, “a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another; secretary” (Merriam Webster’s). Boswell is often described as Johnson’s amanuensis because he spent much time at Johnson’s side recording his sayings and activities.

A rare inherited neurological disease characterized by recurrent motor and phonic tics (involuntary muscle spasms and vocalizations) (Encyclopedia Britannica). Modern researchers have argued that Johnson exhibited a number of the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. Boswell speaks of Johnson’s habit of making unusual movements or sounds, such as rolling his head or body and puffing out air from his lungs after making a speech. Tourette syndrome was not named or understood in Johnson’s day, and his behaviors were thought to be merely eccentricities.

A four-wheeled coach for rapid transportation of passengers and mail, used in the 18th and early 19th centuries (Merriam Webster’s). Often used by Boswell and Johnson in the Life for short trips.