Dinner with Joseph Johnson: Books and Friendship in a Revolutionary Age

In the late 18th century, a group of extraordinary individuals gathered in London for dinner parties hosted by Joseph Johnson, a publisher and bookseller. These dinner parties brought together notable figures such as William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, Henry Fuseli, Anna Barbauld, and Mary Wollstonecraft, among others. Daisy Hay's book, "The Booksellers: A History of the British Book Trade," offers a captivating portrait of this revolutionary age, showcasing the stories of the men and women who wrote Britain's history and whose ideas continue to influence us today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

In the late 18th century, a remarkable gathering of extraordinary individuals convened once a week around a dining table in the heart of London. The host of this esteemed gathering was Joseph Johnson, a prominent publisher and bookseller, who welcomed a diverse array of brilliant minds to his table. Among the distinguished guests were William Blake, renowned poet and artist; Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the esteemed philosopher and writer; William Wordsworth, the celebrated poet and visionary; Henry Fuseli, the renowned painter and artist; Anna Barbauld, a prominent writer and educator; and Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering feminist and writer.

Johnson's decades as a bookmaker witnessed profound transformations not only in Britain but also across the globe. Through this captivating portrayal of a revolutionary era, Daisy Hay intricately weaves together the narratives of the men and women who shaped the nation's destiny, capturing the essence of a changing nation. The book is brimming with rich historical detail, providing a vivid glimpse into the social, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the time.

The Guardian hailed it as "a hugely engrossing portrait of a revolutionary age," while the Sunday Times praised it as "rich in period and personal detail." This remarkable work of historical fiction continues to resonate with readers, offering a timeless exploration of the ideas and ideals that continue to shape our world today.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784701079