An Introduction to the Bluestockings

Saturday 23 June - 2pm

Join the Deputy Curator, Helen Woollison, for a free talk about the literary gatherings of the Bluestocking Society. Find out more about the members of this predominantly female society, and learn how they supported one another in their endeavours into the traditionally male field of literature. Many members struggled to convince their families that their education and careers would not endanger their reputations, with some buckling under societal pressure to marry or leave the London literary scene to protect their reputation. This talk will look into the reasons why female writers had to fight to have their voices heard during the 18th century and beyond.

No need to book, talk is included in standard admission charge.

Dr Johnson's Guide to Life

Thursday 28 June - 7pm (Doors open at 6.30pm)

The subjects that preoccupied Johnson are enduring ones: the power of the imagination, the importance of self-knowledge, ambition, human fallibility, the nature of pleasure and boredom, family life and marriage, friendship, the dangers of obsession, what it means to be a writer and a reader, how to lead a meaningful existence. A lot of his judgements have had remarkable staying power and can seem startlingly modern. Join author Henry Hitchings for an entertaining tour of some of his ideas and opinions, considering what we can learn from them, and how they can help us negotiate life’s challenges. Henry is the author of six books, including two on Dr Johnson. His latest is The World in 38 Chapters, or Dr Johnson’s Guide to Life (published by Macmillan in June).

Tickets: £10 (includes a complimentary glass of wine)

Rhyme & Reason present: The Occasional Poet

Wednesday 18th July - 7pm (Doors open at 6.30pm)

'The only end of writing is to enable the readers better to enjoy life, or better to endure it.'
Samuel Johnson

An evening exploring words and the art of writing in the historic house where Dr Samuel Johnson penned his famous Dictionary.
Poetry performance group Rhyme & Reason share works by classic and contemporary poets, from Johnson himself to Jacques Prévert, Ted Hughes and Carol Ann Duffy.

Tickets: £15 (includes a complimentary glass of wine)

DR JOHNSON WALKS

Follow in Johnson's footsteps and explore the courts and alleys off Fleet Street with an experienced City Guide.

1st Wednesday of each month (except Jan.), 3pm

Next walk:
6 June

Groups may also book walks at alternative times. For any enquiries please contact us.

Dr Johnson's Fleet Street - Discover Johnson's life and work in and around Fleet Street and his acquaintances in the area.
Dr Johnson's City - Explore the Fleet Valley, Ludgate Hill and St Paul's Churchyard areas as Johnson knew them.

£5/£4 concessions. No booking required. Meet outside Dr Johnson's House.

This is a joint venture between Dr Johnson's House and the City Guides.