In the annals of literary history, the name Charles Johnstone may not resonate as loudly as some of his contemporaries. But for the preservation of his name and fame, we owe a debt of gratitude to none other than Sir Walter Scott. Born in Limerick in 1719, Johnstone, also known as Johnston, hailed from Irish roots with a touch of Scottish heritage. Though his works have largely faded into obscurity, his impact on the literary scene, particularly in the mid-18th century, remains a noteworthy chapter in the cultural heritage of Limerick.
After receiving a classical education, Johnstone set his sights on the legal profession, undertaking studies for the Bar. Despite facing the challenge of slight deafness, a hindrance that limited his courtroom engagements, he found success in his legal pursuits. His amiable nature and sociable disposition endeared him to the circles of society, where personal charm often held as much sway as professional acumen.
It was during the time of Dr Samuel Johnson’s literary zenith, marked notably by the publication of “Rasselas,” that Johnstone presented his own work, “Chrysal,” to a discerning bookseller. The manuscript found its way into the hands of the venerable Dr Johnson, who recommended its publication. In 1760, a year after “Rasselas,” “Chrysal” made its debut. Sir Walter Scott, in his “Lives of the Novelists,” suggests that Johnstone composed the work during a visit to Lord Mount-Edgecumbe’s estate in Devonshire.
“Chrysal” entered the literary scene with a promise of providing a dispassionate and distinct account of the most remarkable transactions of the time across Europe. The allure of unveiling the personal and secret histories of living characters, coupled with vivid expression and powerful narrative, captured the public’s attention. Such was its reception that a second edition swiftly followed, incorporating several additions by the author. The thirst for more led to a third edition in 1761, expanded to four volumes.
Yet, Johnstone’s literary legacy does not rest solely on the shoulders of “Chrysal.” His pen crafted numerous other books, now languishing in the shadows of history. “The Reverie, Or a Flight Op Ow Paradise of Fools,” a satire, emerged in 1762. Subsequent works included “The History of Arbaces, Prince of Betlis” (1774), “The Pilgrim, or a Picture of Life” (1775), and “History of John Juniper, Esquire, Alias Juniper Jack” (1781). These, however, failed to resonate with readers of his time.
In 1782, a year after his final publication, Johnstone embarked on a journey to seek fortune in India. His path was fraught with adversity, as the vessel carrying him was wrecked off the Joanna Islands, claiming the lives of many passengers. Johnstone, alongside the captain and a few others, miraculously survived. In Bengal, he reinvented himself as a writer under the pseudonym Oneiropolos, contributing extensively to newspapers. Eventually, he became a joint-proprietor of a Bengal paper, amassed considerable wealth, and passed away around the year 1800.
Today, Charles Johnstone is, but a name seldom uttered, and his works are largely forgotten. Critics of his time described “Chrysal” as a composition exhibiting various incidents, narrated in the styles of Le Sage and Smollet. However, opinions varied, with some claiming that the satirical portraits were overcharged, and the author, akin to Juvenal, excessively lashed and exaggerated the vices of his age.
In examining Johnstone’s literary character, it becomes apparent that he earned recognition as the author of what was termed the scandalous Chronicle of the time. His satirical approach, reminiscent of Juvenal, delved into the gloomy, foul, and noisome passages of life. While his contemporaries like Le Sage elicited laughter with descriptions of follies, Johnstone invoked horror and detestation by exposing vices and crimes.
As the years roll on, Charles Johnstone’s legacy remains entwined with the vibrant literary history of Limerick. Though his works may have faded into the recesses of time, the echoes of his satirical pen still whisper through the pages of history, a testament to the rich tapestry of Ireland’s literary heritage.
Irish Emerald – Saturday 20 May 1911
