James Boswell (1932) by C. E. Vulliamy

This is a critical, moralizing and incomplete biography, the latter owing to the fact several of Boswells papers were either unknown to Vulliamy or not read by him. This includes the London Journal, hence Vulliamys writing [i]t is impossible to follow in detail the course of his life between the end of 1762, and his meeting with Johnson on the 16th of May 1763. Actually, that exact period of time may be the best documented time of Boswells life at all.

Vulliamy is extremely critical of some of Boswells acquaintances as well, especially the unpleasant group, to whom he was introduced (and even admired, in advance) on 24/5-63 at Bonnell Thornton's. John Wilkes is described as one of the worst and most amusing men of his age, and presid[ing] over the tavern revels of those who were classically indecent and wittily blasphemous. Charles Churchill was the most profligate rogue who ever wore the dress of a clergyman, who died at Boulougne in 1764, burnt out by all the disorders of a vicious life. Robert Lloyd fortunately extinguished himself [died] when he was thirty-one, ruined by his friendship with Churchill.

So you can imagine what Vulliamy thought about Boswells going to prostitutes and drinking binges with Johnson and others.

The book has some historical value, and offers a somewhat (unintended) entertaining view of Boswell, but Vulliamy didn't have as much information available as we do today, and so the book isnot in any way to be deemed a reliable source for information about Boswells life.

James Boswell by C. E. Vulliamy was first published in 1932 by Geoffrey Bles, Pall Mall, London and is usually readily and cheaply available from Abebooks. If you click the link below, and order your books through Abebooks, I will receive a 3% commission, which will help me maintain this site and perform further research.