The fortunes of Francis Barber [electronic resource] : the true story of the Jamaican slave who became Samuel Johnson's heir / Michael Bundock.

9780300213904 electronic book
9780300207101 hardcover

New Haven, [Connecticut] ; London, [England] : Yale University Press, 2015.

©2015

English

1 online resource (28 2 pages) : illustrations

PR3533 .B863 2015eb

828/.609

"This compelling book chronicles a young boy's journey from the horrors of Jamaican slavery to the heart of London's literary world, and reveals the unlikely friendship that changed his life. Francis Barber, born in Jamaica, was brought to London by his owner in 1750 and became a servant in the household of the renowned Dr. Samuel Johnson. Although Barber left London for a time and served in the British navy during the Seven Years' War, he later returned to Johnson's employ. A fascinating reversal took place in the relationship between the two men as Johnson's health declined and the older man came to rely more and more upon his now educated and devoted companion. When Johnson died he left the bulk of his estate to Barber, a generous (and at the time scandalous) legacy, and a testament to the depth of their friendship. There were thousands of black Britons in the eighteenth century, but few accounts of their lives exist. In uncovering Francis Barber's story, this book not only provides insights into his life and Samuel Johnson's but also opens a window onto London when slaves had yet to win their freedom"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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Description based on print version record.

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