Why did James Boswell record Samuel Johnson’s conversations?

James Boswell recorded Samuel Johnson’s conversations primarily to preserve the words of a man he considered a forceful and witty talker, ultimately using these records to craft his masterpiece, The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D..12

Boswell began documenting these interactions using a self-invented system of shorthand shortly after meeting Johnson in 1763. His approach was highly intentional; as a skilled reporter, Boswell often posed questions that might appear naive or ignorant specifically to prompt Johnson to provide statements worth preserving. He actively staged scenes and drew out his subject to ensure he captured the "living texture" of Johnson’s personality and intellect.13

By meticulously recording these conversations, Boswell was able to interweave them with letters and personal observations to fulfill his goal of showing Johnson "as he really was," creating what is widely regarded as the greatest biography in the English language.13