Chapter III: His Early Life

Samuel Johnson was born in Lichfield, England, in 1709, and lived in a bookish atmosphere. His father, Michael Johnson, was a bookseller and something of an original character who tended his bookstall on market days in Lichfield as well as in surrounding towns. There is quite a Johnsonian ring about the wording of Michael Johnson’s Catalogue of Choice Books, dated 1717, and addressed to the booklovers of Worcester. The old gentleman takes people into his confidence and explains matters in friendly way, in a day when printed lists of books to be sold were rare. Says he:

“I have had several auctions in your neighborhood--as Gloucester,
Tewkesbury, Evesham, etc.--with success, and am now about to address
myself, and try my fortune with you. You must not wonder that I
begin every day’s sale with small and common books; the reason is,
a room is some time a-filling, and persons of address and business
seldom coming fast, they are entertained till we are full.... (There
follows a summarized account of the books to be offered, and he adds
that they are the best of that kind) ... and to please the ladies, I
have added store of fine pictures and paper-hangings; and by the way
I would desire them to take notice that the pictures shall always
be put up by noon of that day they are to be sold, that they may
be viewed by daylight. I have no more but to wish you pleased, and
myself a good sale, who am,

Your humble servant,