Life of Samuel Johnson vs The Life of Samuel Johnson: Which Should You Read?
Both live on shelves: Johnson, English Authors, Biography & Memoir
Life of Samuel Johnson
Poet, lexicographer, critic, moralist and Great Cham, Dr. Johnson had in his friend Boswell the ideal biographer. Notoriously and self-confessedly intemperate, Boswell shared with Johnson a huge appetite for life and…
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The verdict
- Ratings are close across the board — any is a safe pick by score.
- The Life of Samuel Johnson is the quickest read — about 7 hours vs 10 for Life of Samuel Johnson.
- The Life of Samuel Johnson runs the darker storyline; Life of Samuel Johnson stays the lighter read.
How to choose
Want a one-evening read?
The Life of Samuel Johnson
≈ 7h vs 10h for Life of Samuel Johnson
New to the genre?
The Life of Samuel Johnson
Challenging vs Demanding for Life of Samuel Johnson
In the mood for something dark?
The Life of Samuel Johnson
a darker storyline than Life of Samuel Johnson
Want something lighter?
Life of Samuel Johnson
an easier tone than The Life of Samuel Johnson
Scores by source
| Life of Samuel Johnson | The Life of Samuel Johnson | |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 3.8 (5424) | 3.8 (5424) |
| Hardcover | 4.3 (3) | 4.3 (3) |
Reception
| Life of Samuel Johnson | The Life of Samuel Johnson | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | 5424 | 5424 |
| Editions | 238 | 103 |
| Film adaptations | 1 | 1 |
| Want to read | 12455 | 12472 |
| Reading it now | 1021 | 1021 |
| Written reviews | 364 | 365 |
| Wikipedia attention | 4427 | 4427 |
| Pages | 567 | 408 |