* Johnson's Candid Portrayal: Boswell was unafraid to portray Johnson warts and all. He included Johnson's eccentricities, his bouts of melancholy, his sometimes harsh opinions, and even his personal failings. This was a stark contrast to the idealized biographies of the time, which typically focused on the virtues and accomplishments of their subjects.
* Intimate Detail and Personal Anecdotes: Boswell's biography was incredibly detailed, filled with intimate conversations, personal anecdotes, and even Johnson's daily routines. This level of personal insight was unprecedented in biographies of the time, and it gave readers a remarkably close-up view of Johnson's life.
* Johnson's Controversial Opinions: Johnson was a controversial figure, known for his strong opinions on politics, religion, and society. Boswell didn't shy away from including these views in the biography, often quoting Johnson directly. This meant readers were exposed to Johnson's sometimes harsh and even offensive statements.
* Johnson's Complex Personality: Boswell showed Johnson as a multifaceted and complex individual, not just a literary giant. He highlighted Johnson's intellectual brilliance but also his struggles with depression, his social awkwardness, and his occasional bouts of bad temper. This complexity was unusual in biographies, which often presented their subjects as purely heroic.
In short, Boswell's biography shocked readers because it challenged the conventions of biographical writing at the time. It offered a raw, intimate, and unvarnished portrait of a great man, showcasing his flaws as well as his brilliance. This unprecedented level of honesty and detail resonated with readers, and helped solidify Boswell's work as a masterpiece of biographical literature.