THE Central Literary Magazine. No. 3. It must be borne in mind that this Magazine is neutral in Politics and Religion; its pages are open to a free expression of all shades of opinion without leaning to any. I Gossip about Boswell and Johnson. * T is universally admitted that James Boswell was the author of the best Biography ever written. By the dilligent use of such faculties as he possessed he produced a work which has been the admiration of men of learning, and has afforded entertainment and instruction to hundreds of thousands of readers, for nearly a century. Boswell's Life of Johnson is worth more than a first or second reading: so full of wit and wisdom is it; so charged with the sayings and doings of one of the greatest of scholars and wisest of men, that no one can fail to derive profit and enlarge his stock of ideas by perusing it again and again. Being much impressed with the minuteness of detail, the fidelity of workmanship, and the sterling honesty of purpose which pervade the entire work, I can well remember that I felt absolutely pained on first reading Macaulay's celebrated Essay on the issue of Wilson Croker's edition. Many years have elapsed since then, but I am still of opinion that James Boswell's character was very harshly and uncharitably dealt with by the celebrated Essayist; and although it may savour of presumption for me to take a tilt at the great Thomas Babington Macaulay, yet do I propose to stand by my friend Boswell, to urge pleas of leniency on his behalf, and to set forth reasons why he is fairly entitled to be held in affectionate remembrance; for it cannot be denied that Boswell's * Being the Presidential Address delivered to the Members of the Association, October 6th, 1882, |