Samuel Johnson's house-turned museum launches audio tour in Chinese

The former house-turned museum of Dr. Samuel Johnson, one of the greatest British literary figures of the 18th century, launched Tuesday a new audio tour in Mandarin for Chinese visitors.

Johnson, a man who made everlasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, biographer and lexicographer, was a tenant at 17 Gough Square here.

He compiled the famous work A Dictionary of the English Language, or Johnson's Dictionary, which was the first comprehensive English dictionary, a tome which is currently dubbed as the "The Cradle of the Modern English Language."

The house was purchased by Liberal politician Cecil Harmsworth in 1911, and opened to public in 1914 after restoration.

Chinese ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming attended the launch ceremony and toured the house accompanied by Lord Harmsworth of Dr Johnson's House Trust Limited.

"The (Mandarin) guide was fluent, clear and accurate. As I walked around the house, I found the cozy, exquisite, minimal yet classic decoration of the house most impressive," said Liu,

"In my mind I could imagine Dr Johnson, over 200 years ago, working at his desk for eight long years before finishing his Johnson's Dictionary," he said.

"The Chinese audio tour will help (Chinese tourists) get over the language barrier. This will allow them to appreciate more directly, vividly, and comprehensively what they will see here," Liu said.

Johnson was said to have a strong interest in China. He expressed his great interest in the Great Wall, saying "I really believed I should go and see the wall of China had I not children, of whom it was my duty to take care."

The former house of the literary giant is now exhibiting a collection relating to Johnson, including a well-stocked library of books and pamphlets related to his work and life. The first editions of Johnson Dictionary and many portraits of him and his contemporaries, and some porcelain and furniture are displayed in the rooms. Endit