John Hawkins (author)

• 1. From Stone To Law

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  Sir John Hawkins began his life as an architect, following the footsteps of his father. He worked in that field until he was nearly thirty years old. Then he switched careers to become a solicitor instead. This new business thrived and brought him success quickly. In 1753, he married Sidney Storer, the second daughter of attorney Peter Storer. The marriage changed everything for him. Her brother died shortly after their wedding. That death left her with a large inheritance. Hawkins retired from all professional work in 1759 because of this money. He moved his family to Twickenham near Horace Walpole. There he published an edition of Walton's The Complete Angler.

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• 2. The Knight Magistrate

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  Hawkins received a commission of the peace in 1771. This appointment made him a magistrate for Middlesex county. His public service continued to grow over the next year. He became Chairman of the Quarter Session for Middlesex. The Crown recognized these efforts by knighting him in 1772. This title came directly from his services to the community. He also provided notes for a new Shakespeare edition in 1773. These roles kept him busy while he wrote other works. The position required him to manage legal matters for the region. It placed him at the center of local governance during that era.

• 3. A Rivalry Of Histories

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  It took Hawkins sixteen years to write A General History of the Science and Practice of Music. He finally published it in 1776. Critics respected the book when it first appeared. Dr Callcott soon composed a mocking song against the work. Charles Burney released his own General History of Music between 1776 and 1789. Burney's version overshadowed Hawkins' publication almost immediately. Later generations would view Hawkins' music history as superior to Burney's. The 1875 edition of Hawkins' work supports this later judgment. Burney's discourse on Handel and Bach was viewed as particularly inadequate. The rivalry between the two men defined the reception of their books.

• 4. The Johnson Biography

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  Thomas Cadell and William Strahan asked Hawkins to write about Samuel Johnson within hours of his death. They wanted both a biography and an edition of his works. Hawkins produced the first full-length biography titled Life of Samuel Johnson in 1787. James Boswell published a far longer work with the same title four years later. Boswell's account eclipsed Hawkins' version for most readers. Yet Hawkins had known Johnson about twice as long as Boswell did. Their friendship began in the 1740s. Hawkins covered some aspects of Johnson much better than Boswell. He understood Johnson's strongly religious nature more deeply. Hawkins was present at Johnson's death while Boswell remained in Scotland.

• 5. Daughters And Inheritance

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  Sidney Storer lived from 1726 until 1793. She was the heiress who married John Hawkins in 1753. Her father Peter Storer was an attorney by trade. Two of their children died during infancy. Only three survived to adulthood including two sons named John Sidney Hawkins and Henry. Their daughter Laetitia became a novelist. The family legacy continued through her literary achievements. This domestic life stood apart from his public career. His wife's inheritance allowed him to focus on writing instead of law. The household provided stability during his many professional transitions.