Hester: The Remarkable Life of Dr Johnson's 'Dear Mistress'

by Ian McIntyre

Hester Salusbury was a child prodigy. Later, as Hester Thrale, her wit, learning and vivacity would attract the greats of the day, Joshua Reynolds, Fanny Burney, Boswell, David Garrick, and, Edmund Burke to the household at Streatham Park. She published to great popularity and acclaim on Johnson, irritating the hell out of Boswell, and remains one of our most perceptive sources. One of our first female historians, a feminist without knowing it, she also broke new ground in politics and business. When her husband died, rumours flew that she'd wed Johnson. Instead, she ran off with an Italian music teacher. The scandal consumed London society - and her relationship with her daughters. But Hester was passionately in love (it was a love that nearly killed her). This is a brightly lit portrait of an exceptional woman whose life, loves and letters make a vivid and important contribution to our understanding of Georgian England. Praise for Ian McIntyre's "Dirt & A Life of Robert Burns": 'If you read Burns, then buy this. If you don't read Burns, then start' - "Economist"; 'A shrewd, clear, comprehensive and wonderfully readable portrait of Burns as fallible man and gifted poet' - A.C. Grayling, "Financial Times"; For Joshua 'Stunning and richly entertaining...superlative' - Philip Hensher, "The Times".

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Ian McIntyre was a BBC Radio producer, journalist, broadcaster and author. who was Controller of BBC Radio 4 from 1976 to 1978 and then Controller of BBC Radio 3 between 1978 and 1987.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good, well researched biography of Hester Thrale, the muse and confidante of Samuel Johnson. It’s scholarly but easy enough to read, and very interesting. I found it hard to read about all the deaths of Hester’s children, and the cold-shouldering she got from the ones who lived – poor woman. But she was clearly one of the most interesting women of the period. Boswell couldn’t stand her – which in my book is a recommendation.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book actually begins with several chapters about Hester's parents and fails to jump into her life at all really.

It also fails to really engage the reader and even the many illustrations are reproduced only in black and white.

A shame as it had the potential to be very interesting.

[Andrew Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that Hester Thrale was so well connected. Indeed, I had no idea who she was until I decided to tackle this volume. We picked it up years ago, from the now-defunct Book Barn and it was about time I read it.

Knowing nothing about Hester, this book had much to tell me. I was surprised at how many familiar names popped up in her circle of connection - Fanny Burney, Joshua Reynolds and, of course, Samuel Johnson.

There was plenty to keep me interested, and plenty of insights to be had into Georgian life.