Miss Monckton Entertains (Part 2)

Part of the reason for Miss Monckton's success as a hostess was her ability for conversation.  She had an immaculate memory which no doubt contributed to her conversing abilities.  She also was a bibliophile which drew some big names to her drawing room like flies to honey.  Some of those big names were not always the most pleasant to converse with as James Boswell recounts:

Johnson was prevailed with to come sometimes into these circles and did not think himself too grave even for the lively Miss Monckton (now Countess of Corke), who used to have the finest bit of blue at the house of her mother Lady Galway Her vivacity enchanted the Sage, and they used to talk together with all imaginable ease A singular instance happened one evening when she insisted that some of Sterne's writings were very pathetick Johnson bluntly denied it. "I am sure (said she,) they have affected me."
"Why, (said Johnson) smiling and rolling himself about,) that is, because dearest you're a dunce." When she some time afterwards mentioned this to him he said with equal truth and politeness; "Madam, if I had thought so, I certainly should not have said it."

In Which Dr Johnson Pisses Off Chicks

Dr Johnson was never known for being delicate.  He was known for eating like a pig and having the opinions of one as well.  Despite counting Hester Thrale as a close friend Johnson had some choice words about women.  It's no wonder the two bickered! 

"Publick practice of any art, and staring in men's faces, is very indelicate in a female." An exception to this rule were actresses who in Johnson's opinion had a long history of "indelicacy." Women should also not talk more than necessary and certainly not become preachers because "a woman preaching was like a dog walking on its hind legs. It is not done well, but you are surprised to find it done at all."

Of course when a woman called him out on his sexism, Johnson responded with little reason but with just as much dry humour.  Mrs Knowles commented to him about the double standard women face and Johnson responded with "It is plain, Madam, one or the other must have the superiority. As Shakespeare says, 'If two men ride on a horse, one must ride behind.'"

Thanks Doctor.

Quotables

"What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure."

-Samuel Johnson

A Visit to Dr. Johnson's in London

While in London I had the pleasure of dropping in at Dr. Johnson's pad, which I had never been to. I know based on the bloggings of Mrs. Woffitngton, who is based in Litchfield, that the famous author's birthplace is usually bubbling over with activity, especially with this year marking his 300th birthday. I had expected the same of Johnson's London home.

Although the house was impressive enough in being a fairly unchanged Georgian townhouse, it really had nothing more to boast of. As I walked through the creaky house I couldn't help but think about how incredibly empty it was. It was void of any signs of living, only a few chairs here or there. When I walk into historical homes I like to picture how its inhabitants lived there. A couch and tea table over here, a portrait they really liked there; Johnson's house did not have this. Rooms would have historical prints of Johnson's circle with information, or a few of his letters. One room even displayed a pair of glasses that were similar to what Johnson would have worn. Of course there was a campy video of Johnson giving a tour of his house which was on loop, and some Georgian clothes for children (or bored art historians) to try on, but not too much else. Did Johnson get rid of all his worldly possessions when he died? My advice is to walk by it if your on Fleet Street, but don't waste your money going in.

That money can be better speant here: The Olde Cock Pub. This was Sam's local pub, where he spent much of his time. Although we found this out at Johnson's house because they had the chair he always sat in while at the pub, we had an easier time picturing the man himself in this setting than at his own home.