59. Francis Barber: Abolition, the Navy, and the Enlightenment

In this episode of Empire, Anita Anand and William Durhampool are joined by Peter Moore to discuss Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson's black servant, and his influence on Johnson's views on slavery and British society. The discussion covers Barber's early life, his role in Johnson's household, his brief stint in the Royal Navy, and Johnson's efforts to bring him back. Moore shares insights from his book, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," highlighting Barber's unique position as someone who experienced both the brutal plantation society and literary London. The conversation explores Johnson's evolving views on slavery, the moral neutrality of the time, and the significance of Barber's presence in Johnson's life. The episode concludes with a discussion about Barber's life after Johnson's death, including his attempt to start a school and the legacy of his relationship with Johnson.

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Empire

Introduction to Francis Barber and Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

Francis Barber's Role in Johnson's Dictionary and Early Education

Johnson's Need for Barber and Barber's Ubiquitous Presence

Barber's Influence on Johnson's Views on Slavery

British Thought on Slavery in the 18th Century

Johnson's Circle and the Moral Neutrality Towards Slavery

Francis Barber as an Antidote to Moral Neutrality and a Break

Advertisement and Barber's Freedom

Barber's Departure and Time in the Royal Navy

Dangers Faced by Black Sailors and Johnson's Grief

Johnson's Attempts to Retrieve Barber from the Navy

Barber's Return and Boswell's Jealousy

Barber's Marriage and Boswell's Source

Johnson's Death and Barber's Inheritance

Barber's Later Life and the Enlightenment

Racism and the Enlightenment and Reynolds Portrait

Conclusion and Next Week's Episode

59. Francis Barber: Abolition, the Navy, and the Enlightenment

Empire

00:00Introduction to Francis Barber and Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

Introduction to Francis Barber and Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

02:30Francis Barber's Role in Johnson's Dictionary and Early Education

Francis Barber's Role in Johnson's Dictionary and Early Education

06:19Johnson's Need for Barber and Barber's Ubiquitous Presence

Johnson's Need for Barber and Barber's Ubiquitous Presence

09:11Barber's Influence on Johnson's Views on Slavery

Barber's Influence on Johnson's Views on Slavery

12:17British Thought on Slavery in the 18th Century

British Thought on Slavery in the 18th Century

15:57Johnson's Circle and the Moral Neutrality Towards Slavery

Johnson's Circle and the Moral Neutrality Towards Slavery

19:43Francis Barber as an Antidote to Moral Neutrality and a Break

Francis Barber as an Antidote to Moral Neutrality and a Break

22:31Advertisement and Barber's Freedom

Advertisement and Barber's Freedom

25:04Barber's Departure and Time in the Royal Navy

Barber's Departure and Time in the Royal Navy

27:54Dangers Faced by Black Sailors and Johnson's Grief

Dangers Faced by Black Sailors and Johnson's Grief

30:31Johnson's Attempts to Retrieve Barber from the Navy

Johnson's Attempts to Retrieve Barber from the Navy

33:23Barber's Return and Boswell's Jealousy

Barber's Return and Boswell's Jealousy

36:20Barber's Marriage and Boswell's Source

Barber's Marriage and Boswell's Source

39:40Johnson's Death and Barber's Inheritance

Johnson's Death and Barber's Inheritance

42:23Barber's Later Life and the Enlightenment

Barber's Later Life and the Enlightenment

45:53Racism and the Enlightenment and Reynolds Portrait

Racism and the Enlightenment and Reynolds Portrait

49:03Conclusion and Next Week's Episode

Conclusion and Next Week's Episode