Dr. Johnson & Mr. Savage by Richard Holmes

This book delves into the complex friendship between the 18th-century literary figure Samuel Johnson and the enigmatic poet Richard Savage. It explores the profound influence they had on each other's lives and works, set against the backdrop of London's vibrant and often sordid literary scene. The narrative weaves a tale of two men from vastly different backgrounds who form an unlikely bond, with Johnson becoming fascinated by Savage's scandalous history and the mysteries surrounding his true identity. Through their association, the book examines themes of authorship, friendship, and the struggles of the creative life, while also painting a rich picture of the society they navigated.

The 3619th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 153

Since this book was first published in 1993, there is a penalty of 30.4%. The age adjusted score is 106.49.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.