Dr Johnson
Sir: Being neither an historian nor a psychologist I feel I am not qualified to disagree with D. Watkins (Letters, 5 Janu- ary) over his censure of Dr Johnson's support of George III's American policy or disapproval of Mrs Thrale's marital policy. However, I cannot accept that the lines
Let Observation, with extensive view Survey Mankind from China to Peru
are 'not good' writing. Of course they are absurf:I. But what D. Watkins has failed to register is the subtle tone of self-parody. Johnson determinedly includes himself in 'the busy scenes of crowded life': he recognises the vanity in his own human wishes. He is the 'weekly scribbler'. He criticises himself as well as Lord Chester- field in the couplet
There mark what ills the scholar's life assail Toil, envy, want, the patron, and the jail.
For a satirist to mock himself displays a maturity far superior to the neurotic in- activity of Coleridge, whom D. Watkins appears to respect. Johnson at least made the resolution (every New Year it must be admitted) to get up earlier in the mornings. Lucasta Miller
9 Bartholomew Villas, London NW5
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