Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and the Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides

In 1773, James Boswell and Samuel Johnson embarked on a journey across the Scottish Highlands, resulting in two books: A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland and Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides. These works are often read together, focusing on the Scottish highlands. The text presents a lightly-edited version of both works, preserving the original orthography and correcting typographical errors. The introduction and notes provide information on Johnson and Boswell's careers, friendship, and grand biographical projects, as well as examining the Scottish Enlightenment, the status of England and Scotland during the Reformation, and the Jacobite uprising.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 576 pages
\n Publication date: 22 October 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
\n

In 1773, James Boswell embarked on a meticulously planned journey across the Scottish Highlands alongside his English friend Samuel Johnson. The duo spent over a hundred days together, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Hebrides. Their adventure resulted in two remarkable books: "A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" (1775) and "Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson" (1785). These two works, although separate in their form, complement each other perfectly and are often read together, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the Scottish Highlands.

"A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" is a captivating work of locodescriptive ethnography. It offers a vivid and detailed account of the people, customs, and landscapes of the Western Isles. Boswell's writing is filled with vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and insightful observations, providing a rich and immersive experience for the reader. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field of ethnography and offers a glimpse into the lives of the Scottish people during the 18th century.

On the other hand, "Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson" is a remarkable travel narrative that experiments with the genre of biography. This work showcases Boswell's exceptional writing skills and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Through his journal entries, Boswell provides a candid and intimate portrait of Johnson, his personality, and his intellectual pursuits. He also delves into the broader social and cultural context of the Scottish Enlightenment, the historical relationship between England and Scotland, and the Jacobite uprising of 1745.

These two works form a natural pair, as they cover much of the same material and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Scottish Highlands and the individuals who inhabited them. The introduction and notes in the text provide valuable insights into Johnson and Boswell's respective careers, their friendship, and their grand biographical projects. They also examine the Scottish Enlightenment, the status of England and Scotland during the Reformation and the Union of the Crowns, and the political and cultural implications of the Jacobite uprising.

The text presents a lightly-edited version of both works, preserving the original orthography and corrected typographical errors to fit modern grammar standards. The introduction and notes are written in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Overall, this text offers a valuable and comprehensive exploration of the Scottish Highlands and the remarkable friendship between James Boswell and Samuel Johnson. It provides a rich and immersive experience for readers interested in history, literature, and cultural heritage.

\n Weight: 388g\n
Dimension: 130 x 194 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198798743\n \n