In this biography, Lee Morgan tells the story of Henry Thrale, a successful but flawed and troubled businessman and Member of Parliament who was at the center of the life of the most famous man of letters of the eighteenth century, Dr. Samuel Johnson. Thrale was also married to an exceptionally talented diarist and, perhaps, the most brilliant society leader of the period, Hester Salusbury Thrale, later Mrs. Gabriel Piozzi. In chronicling both the domestic life and the career of Thrale, Dr. Johnson's "Own Dear Master" also affords an interesting glimpse of eighteenth-century business, political, and social life of the age of Johnson as it was played out by some of the principal figures of the day.

"Lee Morgan, in full and interesting manner, relates all the various facets of Henry's character and behaviour..." - The New Rambler

"Morgan tells Thrale's story in a direct and graceful style...provides welcome insights into the social, political and financial contexts of Dr. Johnson's life." - Shreveport Times