I seem to remember Boswell spends some time defending Johnson's style from those who said it was too ornate. It would be interesting to compare his arguments to yours.
He said that about the Rambler, I think, which was fairly ornate. One reader complained it had so many hard words she nearly broke her teeth reading it.
This might be a too obvious point, in which case I apologise, but (having not read Johnson) your points about the utility of dense writing made me think of Mantel and why she so endlessly repays re-reading; it's just not possible to take her all in the first time around.
“the delusive opiate of hasty persuasion”
Great line!
Isn’t it great
I seem to remember Boswell spends some time defending Johnson's style from those who said it was too ornate. It would be interesting to compare his arguments to yours.
He said that about the Rambler, I think, which was fairly ornate. One reader complained it had so many hard words she nearly broke her teeth reading it.
"Much as I try and describe this as research, it is also just an extension of my reading for pleasure."
Life goals.
This might be a too obvious point, in which case I apologise, but (having not read Johnson) your points about the utility of dense writing made me think of Mantel and why she so endlessly repays re-reading; it's just not possible to take her all in the first time around.
Also read Johnson!
Yeah, you’ve probably got a point. I look forward to the book!
Yeh good example