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How did James Boswell first meet Samuel Johnson in 1763?
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James Boswell
James Boswell.
James Boswell first met Samuel Johnson on May 16, 1763, in the back parlour of the shop belonging to the actor and bookseller Thomas Davies.1
Although Boswell had long sought an introduction to the author whose works he greatly admired, the meeting was unexpected. During their initial encounter, Johnson was reportedly rough with the 22-year-old Boswell; however, Boswell maintained his composure. He visited Johnson again a week later, which led to the start of their famous and enduring friendship.1