November 7, 2002

3:08 AM

What Would The Good Doctor Have Prescribed?A Samuel Johnson quotation for every possible occasion, assembled by Frank Lynch. To be taken daily, along with Jack Lynch's Guide, while we wait for David Lynch's upcoming Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland. [Quicktime unrequired, as I made that last bit up]
posted by MiguelCardoso (11 comments total)

On second marriages: "The triumph of hope over experience."
"Much may be made of a Scotchman if he be caught young."
"Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
"A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization."

Great stuff Miguel! Thanks!
posted by madamjujujive at 4:37 AM on November 7, 2002

"No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned."

Great link.
posted by CoolHandPuke at 4:47 AM on November 7, 2002

This site sadly lacks my favourite Johnson quote:

"Sir, your wife, under pretence of keeping a bawdy-house, is a receiver of stolen goods." - an example of the customary insults traded between Thames barge passengers. Life of Johnson (J. Boswell), Vol. IV, 1780
posted by BinkyF at 5:13 AM on November 7, 2002

Marvelous!!!!
posted by 111 at 5:59 AM on November 7, 2002

And let's not forget James Boswell. As Johnson's biographer he preserved many of these quotes for posterity and was a fascinating character in his own right. I've been reading his journals (I've finished 12 of 13 and am waiting for my local library to get me the final volume, Boswell: The Great Biographer). For the most part it's fascinating stuff. I'd love to see a movie about the relationship between Johnson and Boswell. I picture Michael Gambon (or maybe Albert Finney)as Johnson, and perhaps Ewan MacGregor as Boswell
posted by Man-Thing at 6:26 AM on November 7, 2002

Great post. Thanks.
posted by BigCalm at 7:29 AM on November 7, 2002

The Beeb did something a while back with Robbie Coltrane as the Doc and John Sessions as Boswell.

Pretty good if I remember rightly.
posted by lerrup at 8:18 AM on November 7, 2002

Are you thinking of the Blackadder episode lerrup?
posted by BigCalm at 8:54 AM on November 7, 2002

Samuel Johnson's Last Will & Testament.
posted by taratan at 9:25 AM on November 7, 2002

So wait, there's no movie by that name? Damn, my Scottish, David-Lynch-fanatic fiancee would have been so excited.
posted by billpena at 5:04 PM on November 7, 2002

I picture Michael Gambon (or maybe Albert Finney)as Johnson, and perhaps Ewan MacGregor as Boswell

That would be a proper film, that would, Man Thing! Eight hours long, if possible. Though Gambon is perfect for Johnson, Ewan MacGregor is too Hollywooded-out to play Boswell. There must be dozens of brilliant young Scottish actors but, alas, I know none. Someone inquisitive, nervy and slightly obsequious such as Tim Roth? Or even Billy Connolly as he was in Mrs. Brown with Judi Dench as Queen Victoria? Difficult casting!

Oh, if only masterful, Johnsonian holgate were still with us, he'd soon put us all straight!
posted by MiguelCardoso at 5:46 PM on November 7, 2002