The Correspondence of James Boswell and Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo: Yale Boswell Editions Research Series: Correspondence Vol. 10

This volume, the tenth in the Yale Boswell Editions Research Series of correspondence, collects letters exchanged between James Boswell (1740–1795) and Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo (1739–1806), a prominent banker, civic improver, philanthropist, literary and cultural patron, and lay leader of Edinburgh's English Episcopal community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 660 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This tenth volume in the Yale Boswell Editions Research Series of correspondence collects the letters exchanged between James Boswell (1740–1795) and Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo (1739–1806), an eminent banker, civic improver, philanthropist, literary and cultural patron, and lay leader of Edinburgh's English Episcopal community.

Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo was a prominent figure in Scottish society during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born in 1739 and grew up in a wealthy family that had made its fortune in the tobacco industry. Forbes was educated at the University of Edinburgh and later studied law at the University of Glasgow.

After completing his legal studies, Forbes returned to Edinburgh and began practicing law. He quickly established himself as a successful and respected lawyer, and he was also involved in various civic and cultural activities. In particular, he was a strong advocate for the improvement of education and the promotion of literature and the arts.

Forbes was also a generous philanthropist, supporting a wide range of charitable causes. He was particularly interested in the welfare of the poor and the elderly, and he established several institutions to provide for their needs. These included the Pitsligo Charity, which provided housing and care for elderly people, and the Forbes Trust, which provided scholarships for young people from low-income families.

In addition to his legal and philanthropic work, Forbes was also a prominent figure in Edinburgh's English Episcopal community. He served as a lay leader of the church and was involved in various committees and organizations that aimed to promote the church's teachings and values.

One of the most significant letters in this collection is a series of letters exchanged between Boswell and Forbes in 1783–1784. These letters cover a wide range of topics, including Boswell's travels in Europe, his observations of Scottish society, and his thoughts on religion and morality.

Boswell was a young journalist and writer at the time of these letters, and he was fascinated by the personality and character of Forbes. He was particularly impressed by Forbes's generosity and kindness, as well as his commitment to improving the lives of others.

The letters also provide a fascinating insight into the social and cultural life of Edinburgh at the time. Boswell describes the city's architecture, its festivals, its music, and its literature, and he provides a vivid portrait of the people and the places that shaped Forbes's life.

Overall, this volume of letters provides a rich and detailed account of the life and work of Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo. It sheds light on his character, his values, and his contributions to Scottish society, and it also provides a valuable insight into the social and cultural life of 18th-century Edinburgh.

Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo was a prominent figure in Scottish society during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born in 1739 and grew up in a wealthy family that had made its fortune in the tobacco industry. Forbes was educated at the University of Edinburgh and later studied law at the University of Glasgow.

After completing his legal studies, Forbes returned to Edinburgh and began practicing law. He quickly established himself as a successful and respected lawyer, and he was also involved in various civic and cultural activities. In particular, he was a strong advocate for the improvement of education and the promotion of literature and the arts.

Forbes was also a generous philanthropist, supporting a wide range of charitable causes. He was particularly interested in the welfare of the poor and the elderly, and he established several institutions to provide for their needs. These included the Pitsligo Charity, which provided housing and care for elderly people, and the Forbes Trust, which provided scholarships for young people from low-income families.

In addition to his legal and philanthropic work, Forbes was also a prominent figure in Edinburgh's English Episcopal community. He served as a lay leader of the church and was involved in various committees and organizations that aimed to promote the church's teachings and values.

One of the most significant letters in this collection is a series of letters exchanged between Boswell and Forbes in 1783–1784. These letters cover a wide range of topics, including Boswell's travels in Europe, his observations of Scottish society, and his thoughts on religion and morality.

Boswell was a young journalist and writer at the time of these letters, and he was fascinated by the personality and character of Forbes. He was particularly impressed by Forbes's generosity and kindness, as well as his commitment to improving the lives of others.

The letters also provide a fascinating insight into the social and cultural life of Edinburgh at the time. Boswell describes the city's architecture, its festivals, its music, and its literature, and he provides a vivid portrait of the people and the places that shaped Forbes's life.

Overall, this volume of letters provides a rich and detailed account of the life and work of Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo. It sheds light on his character, his values, and his contributions to Scottish society, and it also provides a valuable insight into the social and cultural life of 18th-century Edinburgh.

Weight: 1021g
Dimension: 236 x 152 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474461528