650. London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1)

Mar 9, 2026 1h 6m

About this episode

Who was Samuel Johnson, the dominant literary celebrity of 18th century London and the man who wrote the Dictionary? Why did his friendship with James Boswell, a sex and celebrity obsessed, but very talented writer, flourish? And, how does this titanic friendship open a window onto Georgian Britain; from slavery to the politics of the day? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss one of history’s greatest Englishmen, Samuel Johnson, and his infamous friendship with the man who immortalised him forever, in an age that changed Britain’s politics forever… Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek + Harry Swan Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Podcast episodes are one of the highest-density ways to absorb English at native pace. 650. London’s Golden Age: The Mad Life of Dr Johnson (Part 1) from The Rest Is History gives you natural dialogue, unscripted speech, and vocabulary that actually appears in real conversations.

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