James Boswell :: essays research papers

In 1757 it does not appear that he produce either thing, except some of those articles in the Literary Magazine, which have been mentioned. That magazine, subsequently Johnson ceased to write in it, gradu each(prenominal)y declined, though the popular epithet of Antigalli gutter was added to it and in July 1758 it expired. He probably prepared a part of his Shakspeare this year, and he compulsive a speech on the subject of an address to the Throne, after the voyage to Rochfort, which was delivered by one of his friends, I know not in what publick meeting. It is printed in the Gentlemans Magazine for October 1785 as his, and bears sufficient marks of authenticity.By the favour of Mr. Joseph make Walker, of the Treasury, Dublin, I have obtained a copy of the following letter from Johnson to the antiquated authour of "Dissertations on the History of Ireland." "TO CHARLES OCONNOR, ESQ.1"SIR,"I HAVE lately, by the favour of Mr. Faulkner, seen your calculate of Ireland, and cannot forbear to solicit a prosecution of your design. Sir William Temple complains that Ireland is less know than any other country, as to its ancient state. The natives have had curt leisure, and little encouragement for enquiry and strangers, not knowing the language, have had no ability."I have long wished that the Irish literature were cultivated.2 Ireland is known by customs duty to have been once the seat of piety and learning and surely it would be very acceptable to all those who are curious either in the original of nations, or the affinities of languages, to be further informed of the revolution of a people so ancient, and once so illustrious."What relation there is amid the Welsh and Irish language, or between the language of Ireland and that of Biscay, deserves enquiry. Of these provincial and unextended tongues, it seldom happens that more than one are understood by any one man and, therefore, it seldom happens that a fair comparison can be ma de. I hope you will continue to cultivate this considerate of learning, which has too long lain neglected, and which, if it be suffered to remain in oblivion for another(prenominal) century, may, perhaps, never be retrieved. As I wish well to all useful undertakings, I would not forbear to let you know how a great deal you deserve in my opinion, from all lovers of study, and how much pleasure your work has given up to, Sir,