Beryl Bainbridges latest novel is a masterly evocation of the last years of DrJohnson arguably Britains greatest Man of Letters. The time is the 1770s and1780s ... » 

Beryl Bainbridges latest novel is a masterly evocation of the last years of DrJohnson arguably Britains greatest Man of Letters. The time is the 1770s and1780s and Johnson having completed his lifes major work he compiled thefirst ever Dictionary of the English Language is running an increasinglychaotic life. Torn between his strict morality and his undeclared passion forMrs Thrale the wife of an old friend ACCORDING TO QUEENEY reveals one ofBritains most wonderful characters in all his wit and glory. Above allthough this is a story of love and friendship and brilliantly narrated byQueeney Mrs Thrales daughter looking back over her life. A few of Johnsonquotes Marriage has many pains but celibacy has no pleasures No man but ablockhead ever wrote except for money When a man is tired of London he istired of life «