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The Fortunes of Francis Barber: The True Story of the Jamaican Slave Who Became Samuel Johnson's Heir
This compelling book chronicles a young boy’s journey from the horrors of Jamaican slavery to the heart of London’s literary world, and reveals the unlikely friendship that changed his life. Francis Barber, born in Jamaica, was brought to London by his owner in 1750 and became a servant in the household of the renowned Dr. Samuel Johnson. Although Barber left London for a time and served in the British navy during the Seven Years’ War, he later returned to Johnson’s employ. A fascinating reversal took place in the relationship between the two men as Johnson’s health declined and the older man came to rely more and more upon his now educated and devoted companion. Johnson died in 1784, leaving the bulk of his estate to Barber, a generous (and at the time scandalous) legacy, and a testament to the depth of their friendship.
There were thousands of black Britons in the eighteenth century, but few accounts of their lives exist. In uncovering Francis Barber’s story, this book not only provides insights into his life and Samuel Johnson’s but also offers a window on London when slaves had yet to win their freedom.
There were thousands of black Britons in the eighteenth century, but few accounts of their lives exist. In uncovering Francis Barber’s story, this book not only provides insights into his life and Samuel Johnson’s but also offers a window on London when slaves had yet to win their freedom.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 29, 2019
A fascinating and very enjoyable read. I bought it recently in the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in Lichfield (well worth a visit!). I particularly wanted to read it as I grew up in the village in North Yorkshire where Barber was sent to school for a couple of years, shortly after being brought to England as a slave, from Jamaica. He was schooled there by the curate, William Jackson.
I keep trying to imagine what impression he must have made on the inhabitants of this remote place. I doubt whether any of them had seen a black skinned person before. Interestingly though, one of the Lords of the Manor there has a “Moor’s Head” on the family crest/armorial bearings.
Francis Barber was his baptismal name. Prior to that he seems to have been Quashey, a fairly common name given to black male slaves. Slaves coming to England were keen to get themselves baptised since there was a school of legal thought which argued that a member of the Anglian Church could not be a slave. (Hence stories of slave owners storming churches before holy water could touch black brows). His owner, Colonel Bathurst, may or may not have been Francis’s father. He left him £12 in his will and his freedom, lest there be any doubt following his baptism. His son, Richard Bathurst was a close friend of Samuel Johnson. They both opposed slavery with a passion. S.J. said of Bathurst after his death: “Bathurst was a fine fellow! He hated a fool and he hated a rogue and he hated a Whig – he was a very good hater!”
Before reading this I knew little of the good Dr S.J. and I imagined him to be stuffy and uninteresting. WRONG! I loved what I read of him. A man streets ahead of his time. Although not especially rich he had a massive social conscience and gave generously to all sorts of people less fortunate – poor, disabled, mentally ill.... The fact that on his death he made Francis his heir was something in itself. His rather nasty lawyer didn’t think much to the idea!
I found it fascinating (and for once I felt proud to be British), that there were clubs and societies in London mid 18th century, where black people could celebrate their cultures, dance, listen to their own music and whites weren’t allowed in! This is not to say that London was exactly welcoming of diversity and ethnic minorities then but at least this was a massive and positive start.
Frank was Johnson’s servant for 30 + years and Johnson was quite happy it seems for him to entertain his black mates in his home. The young black man had little problem it seems attracting the ladies and he married a pretty white girl and they both lived and worked for Johnson. Some of their children were born and raised in Johnson’s London home.
Although well provided for by Johnson, the Barbers did not fare too well after his death. It was interesting reading of their lives in the 18th/early 19th centuries; also to read something of their descendants. It was a joy to meet Johnson and I now want to read more about him.
4.5
I keep trying to imagine what impression he must have made on the inhabitants of this remote place. I doubt whether any of them had seen a black skinned person before. Interestingly though, one of the Lords of the Manor there has a “Moor’s Head” on the family crest/armorial bearings.
Francis Barber was his baptismal name. Prior to that he seems to have been Quashey, a fairly common name given to black male slaves. Slaves coming to England were keen to get themselves baptised since there was a school of legal thought which argued that a member of the Anglian Church could not be a slave. (Hence stories of slave owners storming churches before holy water could touch black brows). His owner, Colonel Bathurst, may or may not have been Francis’s father. He left him £12 in his will and his freedom, lest there be any doubt following his baptism. His son, Richard Bathurst was a close friend of Samuel Johnson. They both opposed slavery with a passion. S.J. said of Bathurst after his death: “Bathurst was a fine fellow! He hated a fool and he hated a rogue and he hated a Whig – he was a very good hater!”
Before reading this I knew little of the good Dr S.J. and I imagined him to be stuffy and uninteresting. WRONG! I loved what I read of him. A man streets ahead of his time. Although not especially rich he had a massive social conscience and gave generously to all sorts of people less fortunate – poor, disabled, mentally ill.... The fact that on his death he made Francis his heir was something in itself. His rather nasty lawyer didn’t think much to the idea!
I found it fascinating (and for once I felt proud to be British), that there were clubs and societies in London mid 18th century, where black people could celebrate their cultures, dance, listen to their own music and whites weren’t allowed in! This is not to say that London was exactly welcoming of diversity and ethnic minorities then but at least this was a massive and positive start.
Frank was Johnson’s servant for 30 + years and Johnson was quite happy it seems for him to entertain his black mates in his home. The young black man had little problem it seems attracting the ladies and he married a pretty white girl and they both lived and worked for Johnson. Some of their children were born and raised in Johnson’s London home.
Although well provided for by Johnson, the Barbers did not fare too well after his death. It was interesting reading of their lives in the 18th/early 19th centuries; also to read something of their descendants. It was a joy to meet Johnson and I now want to read more about him.
4.5
May 8, 2019
Well written, meticulously researched, a fascinating story which held my interest from first page to last. Dr Johnson is one of my heroes and this book taught me much about his friend and servant Francis Barber that is not to be found in biographies of Dr Johnson.
The author helps one imagine what it must have been like to live with Dr J and his lodgers at Gough Square. This was a community to rival David's in the Cave of Adullam (1 Sam 22:2 "...everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him."). Johnson, himself prone to periods of very deep depression, somehow made the community work and never flagged in his kindness and generosity towards his lodgers (though occasionally rough mannered with them). Frank Barber became a life long friend.
The author helps one imagine what it must have been like to live with Dr J and his lodgers at Gough Square. This was a community to rival David's in the Cave of Adullam (1 Sam 22:2 "...everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him."). Johnson, himself prone to periods of very deep depression, somehow made the community work and never flagged in his kindness and generosity towards his lodgers (though occasionally rough mannered with them). Frank Barber became a life long friend.
November 25, 2016
Concise, clear and with plenty of material that was new and interesting.
The writing was never confusing, the details always well chosen and the tone humane and engaging.
The book really conveys an idea of Johnson and Barber’s relationship as like father and son - not without friction, but loving despite everything.
It also cleared up some wonders I had about his later improvidence, considering the size of Johnson’s legacy. It was not just that he was not good with money but there was frequent sickness and the decline of the Barbers is a painful part of the book.
I also loved how intertwined Barber was with all sorts of other people, Darwin and Seward, good pals with Bozzy and the hints of a whole black subculture within London.
The writing was never confusing, the details always well chosen and the tone humane and engaging.
The book really conveys an idea of Johnson and Barber’s relationship as like father and son - not without friction, but loving despite everything.
It also cleared up some wonders I had about his later improvidence, considering the size of Johnson’s legacy. It was not just that he was not good with money but there was frequent sickness and the decline of the Barbers is a painful part of the book.
I also loved how intertwined Barber was with all sorts of other people, Darwin and Seward, good pals with Bozzy and the hints of a whole black subculture within London.
February 20, 2018
A stupendous biography that clears away all the lore about Mr. Barber, meticulously builds a detailed picture, and also adds a great deal to our knowledge of Johnson and his world. But mostly it's the biography the man deserved.
November 15, 2023
Heard author on Empire Podcast
Read
November 4, 2024Very clear and readable - the horrific (and horrifically casual) diaries about slave keeping in Jamaica and the description of the eccentric household were standout chapters
May 25, 2015
An interesting look at Dr. Johnson's household, but also of black people in 18th c. England. Oopening is especially strong. Nice illustrations.
Read
May 1, 2017The author combined the individual story of Francis with the story of slaves in England very well, and I found thinking about an individual who happened to become well known because of his connection with Johnson, a very good way in to the experiences of some people who came here as slaves. I recently visited Dr Johnson's House in London (where I found the book) so having been to the house added to my enjoyment, but even without that, I would have enjoyed it. I came away with plenty to think about and explore further. Well worth reading.
to-buy
February 5, 2018Recommended by Sam Leith in The guardian
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews