The Johnson Society of London is made up of people with interests in the life and work of Samuel Johnson, his circle and his times. We welcome anyone who shares these or related interests. Most of us are not academics although we number some distinguished scholars among our members. We have members in many parts of the world in addition to the UK, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and the USA.

The Society holds seven meetings each year. All meetings except that in December are held at the Dickens House in London. Although Johnson is the main focus of many of our talks, we range widely over eighteenth-century literature and history. For an idea of the topics considered, please look at our recent annual programmes, which can be found here. 

The main event in our calendar occurs in December, on a Saturday close to the 13th of the month (the anniversary of Johnson's death). On that day we lay a wreath on Johnson's grave in Westminster Abbey, after which we gather to hear a talk by a distinguished speaker. Amongst those who have spoken on this occasion are P. D. James, Christopher Ricks, Beryl Bainbridge and Boris Johnson.

The papers delivered to the Society are published in our annual journal, the New Rambler, together with articles and book reviews. The Society also publishes an occasional newsletter the New Idler.

For details of membership, please click here. Details of membership