The Fortunes of Francis Barber

Building on themes raised in Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Michael Bundock examines the life of Francis Barber who came to England as a slave from Jamaica in 1750 and became a servant in the household of the renowned Dr Samuel Johnson. Making an unlikely friend in Samuel Johnson, caring for him during the writer’s later years, he eventually became the heir to Dr Johnson’s estate.

This fascinating talk reveals the depth of their friendship and offers insights into the contrasting lives of Barber and Johnson.

Michael Bundock is a director of Dr Johnson’s House Trust and former editor of The New Rambler, the annual journal of the Johnson Society of London. He is the author of numerous essays and articles on Samuel Johnson, Francis Barber, and 18th century history and literature.