The sociable humanist

Using previously inaccessible material, this critical biography of the literary theorist, philosopher of language, and musical impresario James Harris creates a vivid picture of this important figure in eighteenth-century English culture. The author of Three Treatises and Hermes, Harris led a culturally and politically rich and varied life. Harris's encounters with the great writers and musicians of the day, including Johnson, Boswell, the Fieldings, Handel, J.C. Bach, and Dr. Charles Burney are brought into focus in this full-length study of eighteenth-century life.