Dinner with Joseph Johnson

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This work presents a vivid portrait of a radical era through the lens of writers who gathered around a publisher's dining table, including figures like William Wordsworth and Mary Wollstonecraft. Joseph Johnson, a bookseller and maker of books, operated during a transformative period in Britain from 1760 to 1809, marked by profound political, social, and scientific upheaval. His dinner guests reflected the evolving relationship between Britain, America, and Europe, many of whom played pivotal roles in reshaping the world order. They advanced revolutions in medical treatment, scientific inquiry, and advocated for women's and children's rights. The diverse group around Johnson lacked a unified identity, with some, like Wollstonecraft and Fuseli, treating his home as their own, while others, like Priestley and Barbauld, were drawn to St Paul's Churchyard. Notable figures such as Paine and Blake had less frequent interactions, yet their influence lingered. Johnson's home became a sanctuary for thinkers of varying political beliefs, fostering dialogue and reflection amid crises. His guests faced threats to their safety and freedom, including riots, exile, and poverty, yet found refuge in his home. Johnson's efforts enabled these voices to resonate even when external forces sought to silence them.